LEGAL & CONSULAR AFFAIR DEPARTMENT

Introduction

This department is broken into the Legal Affairs section and the International Law and Treaties section.
 
The Legal Affairs section evaluates and verifies all foreign legal document that Somaliland needs to further legal case for recognition. It also examines and response to international legal cases that involve Somaliland citizens living abroad. The International Law and Treaties section collects and organizes all international treaties and agreements made by the MoFAIC.

This department also works on establishing the legal framework with which MoFAIC and Somaliland work with the international agencies such as IGAD, AU, Comesa and the Common Wealth which all operate in Somaliland. Finally, this department spearheads national monitoring efforts examining international laws that may impact Somaliland’s sovereignty and international recognition case.


FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES OF LEGAL & CONSULAR AFFAIR DEPARTMENT

  • Set strategic priorities for legal and consular service delivery.
  • Supervise all sections and ensure policy alignment with international standards.
  • Represent the Ministry in high-level legal negotiations, treaty signings, and intergovernmental engagements.
  • Oversee cross-functional collaboration with embassies, foreign ministries, and national agencies.
  • Ensure confidentiality and data integrity across all legal and consular operations.
  • To draft laws and bylaws of the ministry.
  • To follow up the laws passed by the parliaments of the neighboring countries, amendments of the international laws, conventions, regional countries those can affect Somaliland citizens and their states.
  • To upgrade the Somaliland legal case. 
  • Assist in drafting and formatting legal documents, advisory notes, and correspondence.
  • Record and organize legal cases and departmental files securely.
  • Track case progress and coordinate follow-up with stakeholders.
  • Ensure confidentiality and accurate filing of all sensitive legal documents.
  • Support internal communications between legal units and senior management.
  • To collect and keep all agreements of the government.
  • Draft, review, and negotiate treaties and international agreements.
  • Advise the Ministry on international legal obligations and compliance.
  • Monitor international law developments relevant to Somaliland’s interests.
  • Represent Somaliland in legal forums and treaty-related discussions.
  • Maintain a database of international instruments Somaliland is party to.
  • Monitor and report on the status and rights of foreign nationals in Somaliland.
  • Coordinate with legal and human rights organizations on compliance and advocacy.
  • Advise the Ministry on human rights risks or violations involving foreign nationals.
  • Liaise with embassies and NGOs on protection measures and policy improvements.
  • Maintain documentation and ensure proper handling of human rights cases.
  • To follow up the situation of foreign prisoners in the Somaliland custodies.  
  • Manage cases of detention, repatriation, deportation, or abuse of Somaliland citizens abroad.
  • Draft and implement consular protection protocols.
  • Maintain confidential databases of consular assistance cases.
  • Authenticate and certify official documents in accordance with international legal standards.
  • Provide notarial services including signature verification and legalization of agreements.
  • Coordinate document processing with consulates and partner institutions abroad.
  • Maintain official registers and records of authenticated documents.
  • Ensure legal accuracy and integrity in all notarial procedures.


Maxamed Axmed Muuse
Department Director
Treaty and Legal Department 
Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Intenational Cooperation
The Republic of Somaliland
Email: L[email protected]
Phone: +252-63-3542606