In a joint press conference, the Ministry of Justice, the Somaliland Law Reform Commission, and the Somaliland Lawyers Association released the draft proposal on "The Harmony of Customary Xeer and Modern Civil Statutory Interpretations."
The draft sets clear directives to prevent constitutional redundancy:
- Civil claims under $5,000 may offer voluntary mediation pathways led by accredited elders.
- Criminal offences of bodily harm, homicide, and severe public safety violations MUST be prosecuted strictly through statutory criminal courts, prohibiting customary monetary restitution (Diyya) as a reason for state dismissal.
- Land disputes will feature a multi-tiered review panel of local government planning assessors before proceeding to regional litigation.
All SOLLA advocates are invited to submit their feedback by June 30th before the draft enters parliament.
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New Judicial Framework Draft Released: A Landmark Integration of Customary law (Xeer) and Civil Code
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Legal Update
Published: June 02, 2026
New Judicial Framework Draft Released: A Landmark Integration of Customary law (Xeer) and Civil Code
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Author: Legislative Committee
Official Association Representative
Official Press Notice & Disclaimer
This document is published under the authority of the Somaliland Lawyers Association (SOLLA) Secretariat. It contains general legal information, reform drafts, or procedural notices, and does not replace official legislative gazettes published exclusively by the Somaliland Parliament or the Judiciary.