How new legislation will revolutionize ownership of weapons in Somalia

Somali government soldiers stand at the scene of a suicide bomb attack outside the United Nations compound in the capital Mogadishu, June 19, 2013. REUTERS/Ismail Taxta

MOGADISHU, Somalia - New legislation passed by the federal cabinet in Somalia could significantly bring order in the ownership of weapons in the country, should the bicameral legislature authorize it and subsequently, get a node from President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud who has decreed to sanction parliament legislation

The Council of Ministers approved Capital Weapons Control Act with a special focus on harmonizing the constitutional right of the capital community to have peace and stability among themselves. This is the first time such legislation is being passed in the country.

Some of the fundamental issues being tackled in the proposed law include prohibiting carrying heavy weapons in the city, such as Army vehicles with guns attached, RPG-7, and PKM. The government has also forbidden non-government forces from bringing weapons and military vehicles, especially the vehicles known as Abdi Bile pick-up and army uniforms.

The prohibited vehicles and weapons, the legislation adds can only be driven in the city when they are used by an authorized military force. All weapons and military vehicles captured without a license or in violation of this law will be confiscated and will become government property, the legislation reads.

To control ownership of registration of weapons will now be domiciled at the Ministry of internal security under Ahmed Fiqi. It is forbidden for anyone other than the forces in charge of the security of the capital to carry unlicensed weapons in the city.

For the security forces who have the license, when they are on duty, the proposal states must wear the uniform of the army they belong to. The security forces at the checkpoints must treat the people who use the roads well and also give the authorities who use the roads their consideration and priority.

In addition, the authorities and all the different sections of the community that use the roads must obey and observe the messages and instructions of the security forces of the capital, and at the same time facilitate the performance of their duties. Licensed troops are instructed to use the roads in accordance with the Road Safety Law.

Other stringent legislations include the requirement for all small arms intended for the protection of officials, and the defense of life and property, such as pistols of various types, AK 47 rifles, and similar guns must be registered. During a crackdown, the army must give notice for a shootout.

Anyone who violates the provisions of this law will be subject to the punishment rules of the Armed Forces, the proposal states.

And as such, the internal security minister may issue, when necessary, a procedure detailing the issues mentioned in the provisions of this law. The proposal has been recommended for use but the dictates of the constitution require that the legislature approves them for use.

GARWE ONLINE