Anti-Terrorism Law of Somalia
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| Anti‑Terrorism Law Sharciga La-dagaalanka Argagixisada قانون مكافحة الإرهاب | |
|---|---|
 | |
| National Anti-Money Laundering Committee | |
| |
| Citation | Official Bulletin LR.1, Somalia |
| Territorial extent | Federal Republic of Somalia |
| Enacted by | National Anti-Money Laundering Committee |
| Enacted | March 2023 |
| Commenced | March 2023 |
| Summary | |
| Establishes definitions, penalties, and enforcement powers against terrorism and terrorist financing in Somalia. | |
| Status: In force | |
The Anti-Terrorism Law (Law No. 007) is a Somali national law promulgated in March 2023, establishing a legal framework for defining, with the goal to prevent, investigate, and prosecute terrorist acts and strengthen national security mechanisms.
Background
[edit]The law defines terrorism expansively to cover acts like violence, hostage-taking, bombings, or other threats aimed at intimidating the public or government decision-making. It also criminalizes terrorist financing in line with Somalia's 2016 Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act.[1][2][3]
It was gazetted in the Official Bulletin LR.1,[4] and its purpose is to enhance the capacity of Somali government agencies to detect and respond to terrorist acts and safeguard the rights of individuals in accordance with national and international counter-terrorism best standards.[5][6]
The House of People of the Somali Parliament approved the law in March 2023 with 133 votes in favor, 3 votes against, and 7 abstentions.[5][7] It was then brought before the Senate[8] and signed by the President of Somalia.[9][10] Puntland later introduced amendments to harmonize its own regional counterterror laws.[11]
Al-Shabaab
[edit]Al-Shabaab is an extremist militant group based in Somalia, designated as a terrorist organization by multiple countries and international bodies.[12] The group emerged in the mid-2000s and has been involved in armed insurgency, attacks on civilian and military targets, and efforts to establish control over territory within Somalia.[13] Al-Shabaab opposes the Somali federal government and regional administrations, frequently carrying out attacks to destabilize the country.[14] The Anti-Terrorism Law (Law No. 007) of Somalia aims,[3] among other objectives, to strengthen the legal framework to combat activities conducted by groups such as Al-Shabaab.[7]
Key provisions
[edit]The legislation defines terrorism and related offenses, establishes procedures for investigation and prosecution, and outlines penalties for individuals convicted of terrorism-related crimes.[5] It also includes provisions regarding the freezing and confiscation of assets linked to terrorism financing.[15]
The law gives broad powers to the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) and other security forces to detain, investigate, and monitor suspects, raising concerns about civil rights protections.[16][17][18] Humanitarian organizations and civil society groups worry the law could hinder aid delivery and be misused to target journalists or activists.[14]
The Somali government has warned agencies and businesses not to collaborate with extremist groups, emphasizing the role of this legislation in protecting national security.[19] However, some observers argue that without robust judicial oversight and independent review, the law’s broad powers could undermine due process and human rights.[15]
Since its enactment, the Anti-Terrorism Law has been subject to public and international scrutiny.[7] Discussions have focused on balancing national security interests with human rights protections, transparency in enforcement, and the potential impact on freedom of expression and association.[14]
References
[edit]- ^ "Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act—Somali" (PDF). Somalia Financial Reporting Center. 2019.
- ^ "Strengthening Somalia's Financial Crime Response". www.unodc.org. Retrieved 2025-07-05.
- ^ a b "Somalia's Anti-Money Laundering Committee Issues New Sanctions List Targeting Al-Shabaab Commanders – Goobjoog English". en.goobjoog.com. Retrieved 2025-07-05.
- ^ "SAG | Bulletin Content Details". osagsomalia.com. Retrieved 2025-07-05.
- ^ a b c "Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act—Somali" (PDF). Federal Parliament of Somalia. 2021. Retrieved 2024-06-10.
- ^ "Remarks by Under Secretary of the Treasury Brian Nelson at a Roundtable with Somali Financial Services Firms". U.S. Department of the Treasury. 2025-02-08. Retrieved 2025-07-05.
- ^ a b c "Somalia's Lower House Passes Historic Anti-Terrorism Law". Voice of America. 2023-03-08. Retrieved 2025-07-05.
- ^ "Sharciga La Dagaalanka Argagixisada - AQALKA SARE" (in Somali). 2025-02-09. Retrieved 2025-07-05.
- ^ Hussein, Abdullahi (2024-12-04). "President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud Leads Anti-Money Laundering Committee Meeting". Somali National News Agency. Retrieved 2025-07-05.
- ^ "Somalia President Discusses Progress in Disrupting Al-Shabaab's Financial Networks with National Anti-Money Laundering Committee". www.somaliland.com. Retrieved 2025-07-05.
- ^ "Kuna Saabsan Wax Ka Bedelka Xeerka Argagaxisada Puntland" (PDF). Puntland Parliament. 2024.
- ^ "UN expert urges international community not to leave Somalia behind". OHCHR. Retrieved 2025-07-05.
- ^ "Somalia publishes list of 9 Al-Shabaab associates". Garowe Online. 2020-06-30. Retrieved 2025-07-05.
- ^ a b c "Saddex aragti oo ku wareegsan sharciga la dagaalanka argagixisadda". Garowe Online. 2020-06-30. Retrieved 2025-07-05.
- ^ a b "5.Hannaanka Baarista Denbiyad Maaliyadeed | PDF". Scribd. Retrieved 2025-07-05.
- ^ "Shirkadda Hormuud Telcom iyo NISA oo eedeyn is dhaafsadey | Horseed Media". Horseed Media - Latest Somali News & Analysis. Retrieved 2025-07-05.
- ^ "SAG | Organization Resources". osagsomalia.com. Retrieved 2025-07-05.
- ^ "NISA, Hormuud Telecom settle data privacy dispute". www.hiiraan.com. Retrieved 2025-07-05.
- ^ Abdullahi, Abdiqani (2025-01-30). "Somali Government Warns Agencies Against Collaborating with Extremists". Somali National News Agency. Retrieved 2025-07-05.