Final Workshop on Security Sector Organisation in Federal Systems.
The training of members of the Somali Federal Member State Legislative Assemblies under the German Federal Foreign Office funded project ‘Capacity Building and Legal Advice for the Federal Member State Legislative Assemblies in Somalia’ concluded with a final workshop on the topic Security Sector Organisation in Federal Systems.
The presentation comprehensively examined the experiences surrounding the organisation of four key security institutions, namely the Armed Forces, Police Forces, Intelligence Agencies, and Prison Guards. The presentation explored the specific organisational structure of each institution, including its legislative foundation, institutional framework, and inherent accountability mechanisms. The presentation began by explaining the fundamental principles of power-sharing between federal and state governments, as well as the intergovernmental responsibilities that require coordination and cooperation. It then moved on to discuss in detail the federal framework that governs the organisation of security institutions. Using examples from different federal countries, the presentation explained how legislation defines the power, structure, and mandate of security institutions and how legislative institutions are responsible for their oversight and control. Finally, it clarified the circumstances and conditions under which federal member states can execute security functions. After the presentation, a working group discussion followed, during which participants were tasked to consider the security challenges facing Somalia and to identify the most relevant model from the case studies in the Somali context.
The workshop was held for the members of the Legislative Assembly of Jubaland in Kismayo on 6 June 2024, for the members of the Legislative Assembly of Hirshabelle on 25 June 2024, for the members of the Legislative Assembly of Galmudug in Dhusumareb on 29 June 2024, for the members of the South-West State Legislative Assembly in Baidoa on 18 July 2024, and finally for the members of the Puntland House of Representatives on 25 July 2024.
In all five locations where the workshop was held, participants identified the organisation of security institutions as a central issue in the ongoing Somali state-building process. They engaged in interesting discussions on several issues that need to be addressed when it comes to security, which included the division of powers between the federal and member state governments, the development of federal and state legislation, and the identification of budget sources for security institutions and particularly appreciated the workshop as a platform for such discussions.