Somalia passes communications act, clears way for regulator

The federal parliament of Somalia has passed a communications act that seeks to streamline the country's telecoms sector and tackle the growing cybercrimes in the country, reports the Horn Observer. The bill clears the way for the creation of a telecom authority to regulate the sector and provide protection of corporate and consumer rights. “This bill is a major breakthrough for the Somali people and the telecommunications sector in particular. It has been long promised, and we are indeed proud, to present the bill for debate and passage by this honourable House,” Abdi Ashur Hassan, minister for post, telecoms and technology said. “The real work starts now.” The National Communication Act will need the approval of the upper house, followed by the endorsement and signature of the country's president, in order to be enacted as a law. See more

• Tuesday, 17 October 2017