A new chapter in Algerian-Somali cooperation opened this Tuesday in Algiers with the signing of a memorandum of understanding by Lotfi Boudjemaa, Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seals, and his Somali counterpart, Hassan Moalim Mahmoud Sheikh Ali. This agreement aims to strengthen the exchange of expertise, modernize judicial practices, and train magistrates, while integrating new technologies to improve citizens’ access to justice, according to a statement from the ministry.
In his speech, Mr. Boudjemaa emphasized the importance of bilateral relations, founded on “mutual respect” and “cooperation, considered the foundation for a solid partnership.” He indicated that the memorandum of understanding will enable the exchange of “experiences and expertise,” particularly in “training judges and magistrates, organizing courts, managing prosecutors and judicial inspections, as well as modernizing work methods in the judicial sector.”
The minister also highlighted the human and technological dimension of this cooperation. According to him, developing human capital is “the basis of contemporary investment policies” and plays a central role in adapting to digital mechanisms, a field in which the justice sector cannot lag behind. Training and further education for judges, magistrates, and judicial personnel thus constitute a major component of the memorandum.
The agreement also provides for exchanges on the management of penal institutions and social reintegration programs for inmates, as well as on planning, construction, and equipping judicial infrastructure, integrating new technologies to improve the efficiency of judicial work and facilitate citizens’ access to justice.
For Mr. Boudjemaa, this partnership constitutes the “cornerstone” to support both countries in modernizing their judicial systems and enabling them to meet current challenges. He stressed that the memorandum covers several areas, including court and prosecutor management, judicial oversight, and updating work methods, to strengthen the quality of justice administration and the rule of law.
From the Somali side, Minister Hassan Moalim Mahmoud saluted “the depth of fraternal ties” uniting the two countries and described the memorandum as an “important milestone” for strengthening legal and judicial cooperation. He highlighted Algeria’s expertise in training, judicial management, and legislation, which he wishes to leverage for the reconstruction and development of the Somali judicial system.
The Somali minister emphasized that this cooperation will allow his country to benefit from proven Algerian models to strengthen citizens’ confidence in institutions, modernize justice administration, and improve the efficiency of judicial services. He also expressed his appreciation for the quality of Algeria’s commitment and the importance of this partnership in building lasting judicial cooperation beneficial to both peoples.
The memorandum further provides for establishing a bilateral cooperation framework in civil, commercial, and penal domains, as well as in the extradition of wanted criminals, thus laying the foundations for a comprehensive and structured judicial partnership.