About 

The MOPCA was established in 1995, by president decree No.59/95, Ref: JSL/M/XERM/249/59/1995, dated the 8th November 1995. Throughout this period, there were ten ministers appointed to lead the Ministry. During this historical period of different presidencies, the MOPCA name changed numerous times. The original name given to the MoPCA in 1995 was “The Relations of the Executive Branch and the Parliament of Somaliland” with the Presidential Decree No.59/95. In 2010, during the time of the 4th President of Somaliland, the Ministry lost its autonomous status, and it was placed under the Ministry of Presidency.
Then the role of the Ministry changed again, and it was named, “The Ministry of Parliamentary Relations research and Technology” regaining its ministerial statues.
The 5th President of Somaliland, HE Muse Bihi Abdi rearranged the role of the Ministry on 14th December 2017. In accordance of Article 26 of presidential act No.012018-1, the new title of the Ministry became “The Ministry of Parliamentary Relations & Constitutional Affairs”.
The 5th President of the Republic of Somaliland fulfilling his political commitment to the reform on the rule of law has mandated the role of the constitutional affairs for the first time, with which the constitution is the basis for national legislation. The power of the Ministry includes but not limited to reform the Somaliland Constitution, by preparing a national plan to review and amend the constitution where necessary. The MoPCA has a significant role to play in constitutional and national law reforms; thus, it was mandated with the following 12 points in achieving its objectives.
 

Vision

The Ministry envisions a law-oriented society in which both citizens and state institutions abide by the Constitution and whereby the working relationship among the Executive, Houses of Parliament and Judiciary is coordinated systematically and effectively to ensure that the interest of the nation is protected and well-served.
 

Mission

Our mission is to create a society where all S/land citizens enjoy their constitutional privileges, through strengthening the competence of the Ministry, to promote civic education of the Constitution, and to develop a strong working relationship between government institutions, Houses of Parliament and non-state actors.
 

Ministry Mandate

The mandate of the Ministry of Parliamentary Relations and Constitutional Affairs are as followed

  • To co-ordinate and work with the Houses of Parliament (House of Elders & House of Representative) and the Executive.
  • To lead the Government legislative agenda in the Houses of Parliament by ensuring government bills are successfully legislated.
  • To advise the President on all practical matters, activities relating to the passage of government bills on the Houses of Parliaments and Constitutional affairs.
  • To co-ordinate and ensure the approval of all Presidential Nominated Officials by acquiring confirmation hearings from House of Representative.
  • To prepare reports for the President and Cabinet members on any issues originating from the Houses of Parliament concerning legislative activities that they may require from the Executive.
  • To co-ordination and support the Executive on any legislative affairs that they may request from the Houses of Parliament.
  • To prepare a national plan to review and complete any outstanding issues regarding the Somaliland constitution, while seeking advice from the concerned entities.
  • To conduct nationwide consultations that aim to evaluate the Somaliland constitutional affairs concerning amendment and completion.
  • To prepare national strategies and action plan which concerns constitutional reviews, amendment and recommendation to the President.
  • To implement the approved government constitutional recommendations following the constitutional reviews.
  • To execute any other duties and responsibilities mandated to MoPCA by laws.
  • To oversee, lead and guide law reform commission unit.
 

Core Value

  • Constitutionalism “Respect the Constitution and Rule of Law”,
  • Inclusiveness, Participation and Representation,
  • Promote Equity and Equality,
  • Transparency and Accountability,
  • Objectivity and Impartiality,
  • Unity in Diversity,
  • The supremacy of Somaliland National Interest,
  • Professionalism.