Jubbaland’s Darwish forces assemble during a security sweep in the town of Qooqaani in Lower Jubba, Somalia, as regional authorities intensify operations aimed at restricting Al-Shabab activity.

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia’s House of the People on Saturday finished its first reading of a bill that would reshape the legal framework guiding the Somali Police Force, marking a critical step in the country’s ongoing effort to modernize its security institutions.

The session, the 21st meeting of the chamber’s seventh sitting, brought lawmakers into a detailed review of the bill’s main provisions, including reforms intended to strengthen police governance and clarify operational authority. Speaker Sheikh Adan Mohamed Noor (Madobe) led the debate, joined by Second Deputy Speaker Abdullahi Omar Abshirow.

Closing the session, the speaker instructed the Committee on Internal Affairs and Security to prepare the draft for its second reading. The bill will return to the chamber once the committee completes its analysis and recommendations.

Lawmakers were also given several other major draft laws expected to shape upcoming debates. These include proposals to create the Somalia Meteorological and Climate Services Agency and the National Environmental Management Authority. Parliament additionally received a bill banning female genital mutilation and a draft of the Tobacco Control Convention, both viewed as significant public health measures.