THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF SOMALIA

CHAPTER 1: DECLARATION OF THE
FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF SOMALIA
Article 1.

The Federal Republic of Somalia

(1)

Somalia is a federal, sovereign, and democratic republic founded on inclusive representation of the
people, a multiparty system and social justice.

(2)

After Allah the Almighty, all power is vested in the people and can only be exercised in accordance
with the Constitution and the law and through the relevant institutions. It is prohibited for a person
or a section of the public to claim the sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Somalia, or to use it
for their personal interest.

(3)

The sovereignty and unity of the Federal Republic of Somalia is inviolable.

Article 2.

State and Religion

(1)

Islam is the religion of the State.

(2)

No religion other than Islam can be propagated in the country.

(3)

No law can be enacted that is not compliant with the general principles and objectives of
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Article 3.

Founding Principles

(1)

The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Somalia is based on the foundations of the Holy
Quran and the Sunna of our prophet Mohamed (PBUH) and protects the higher objectives of
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(2)

The Federal Republic of Somalia is a Muslim country which is a member of the African and Arab
Nations.

(3)

The Federal Republic of Somalia is founded upon the fundamental principles of power sharing in a
federal system.

(4)

The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Somalia promotes human rights, the rule of law,
general standards of international law, justice, participatory consultative and inclusive government, and
the separation of powers between the legislature, executive and an independent judiciary, in order to
ensure accountability, efficiency and responsiveness to the interests of the people.

(5)

Women must be included, in an effective way, in all national institutions, in particular all
elected and appointed positions across the three branches of government and in national
independent commissions.

Article 4.
(1)

Supremacy of the Constitution

$IWHUWKH6KDUL·DKWKH&RQVWLWXWLRQRI the Federal Republic of Somalia is the supreme law of
the country. It binds the government and guides policy initiatives and decisions in all sections of
government.
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