Mogadishu, Thursday – Somalia's National Bar Examination began on Thursday, with 302 candidates taking the test for a practice license.
The examination is being held at the Somali National University and is scheduled to run for three hours.
Candidates who successfully pass the examination will be awarded a Bar Certificate and an official license authorizing them to practice law in Somalia.
Somalia's Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hassan Moallin Mahmoud, said the number of candidates reflects the growing public interest in the rule of law and state-building.
"This demonstrates the significant and growing interest in the legal profession. We wish all the candidates success," the minister said.
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The examination is jointly organized by the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, the Supreme Court, the Office of the Attorney General, and the National Bar Examination Committee.
Before being admitted to the examination, applicants were required to hold a university degree in either Islamic Sharia or Law and complete at least one year of professional training or practical experience in the legal or judicial sector.
Officials said the examination is designed to assess the competence and professional qualifications of new lawyers, ensuring that only qualified legal practitioners enter Somalia's justice system.
The National Bar Examination is an annual assessment used to evaluate and certify aspiring lawyers. Although it was not conducted last year, its return this year underscores ongoing efforts to strengthen Somalia's justice sector and improve professional standards within the country's legal system.