By Abdirahman Khalif, The Eastleigh Voice
January 12, 2026- Somalia’s lower parliamentary chamber has approved a national tobacco control framework in a move aimed at reducing tobacco use and tackling a growing public health concern.
The House of the People passed the legislation on Monday with 139 votes in favor, three abstentions, and no votes against, signalling strong support among lawmakers for measures to regulate tobacco and limit its impact on Somali society.
The approval follows years of warnings from health authorities about rising tobacco consumption, particularly among young people in urban areas. Officials have highlighted the risks of heart disease, cancer, and respiratory illnesses linked to smoking and other forms of tobacco use, including shisha and smokeless products.
Speaking after the vote, House Speaker Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur, also known as Madobe, emphasised the importance of the legislation for public health. He noted the increasing pressure that tobacco-related illnesses place on families and the healthcare system.
“This law is important for the safety and health of the Somali community,” Madobe said. He added that the legislation specifically addresses the harm caused by tobacco use and the need to implement controls to protect citizens.
Health Minister Dr. Ali Haji Aden described the parliamentary approval as a historic step in safeguarding both present and future generations. He explained that the legislation covers a wide range of tobacco products and addresses increasingly popular forms of use, such as shisha.
“The decision taken by the members of the House of the People today will greatly contribute to the safety and health of the Somali community,” Dr. Aden said. “It is a courageous step to protect present and future generations.”
The law establishes rules for the production, sale, advertising, and consumption of tobacco products. It also sets limits on where tobacco can be sold and consumed. By regulating access to tobacco, lawmakers aim to reduce overall smoking prevalence, curb other forms of tobacco use, and prevent the spread of related diseases.
In recent years, Somalia has seen the emergence of shisha lounges in cities and the availability of smokeless tobacco products with little oversight. Public health officials have warned that these trends pose serious health risks, particularly for adolescents and young adults.
The new framework seeks to address these concerns by establishing clear regulations and enforcement mechanisms. The legislation aligns with broader public health strategies aimed at reducing noncommunicable diseases in the country. Lawmakers emphasised that controlling tobacco use is part of a wider effort to strengthen health policies and prevent long-term illnesses that strain families and health services.
Somalia’s passage of the tobacco control law comes as the government focuses on improving health legislation and rebuilding state institutions after decades of conflict. Health officials said the framework will serve as a foundation for future initiatives promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing disease across the population.
Dr. Aden added that the law is expected to influence both the supply and demand of tobacco products while raising public awareness about the health risks of smoking and other tobacco use. Lawmakers said enforcement will involve close cooperation between government authorities, community groups, and civil society organisations to ensure compliance.
The House of the People’s decision reflects a consensus among Somali lawmakers that controlling tobacco is essential to protect public health and reduce the burden of disease.
