Somalia Establishes National Cybersecurity System with Parliamentary Approval

The House of the People of the Federal Parliament of Somalia has officially approved the long-awaited Cybersecurity Law, a major step toward bolstering the country’s digital security landscape.

The newly passed law establishes a comprehensive national framework for managing cybersecurity. It outlines the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Communications, the technical duties of the National Communications Authority of Somalia, and the obligations of critical infrastructure operators. It also sets out processes for preventing, reporting, and responding to cybersecurity incidents and creates the Somalia Computer Incident Response Team (SOM-CIRT) to coordinate technical responses to cyber threats.

Commenting on the law’s approval, the Director General of the National Communications Authority, Mr. Mustafa Yasin Sheikh, described the development as a significant milestone. He said the law will help build a coordinated national cybersecurity system and improve the country’s preparedness and responsiveness to emerging digital security challenges.

The State Minister of Communications and Technology, Mr. Ahmed Osman Dirie, thanked members of Parliament for their support and emphasized the importance of the legislation. He noted that the law will safeguard national cybersecurity, protect citizens’ digital rights, and align Somalia with international standards and best practices in cyberspace governance.

Officials say the Cybersecurity Law is expected to enhance digital trust, support the growth of Somalia’s digital economy, and strengthen collaboration among government institutions, the private sector, and international partners as the country continues its digital transformation.