By Asha Elmi - Reporter
Somalia, October 6, 2026 — The Somali Academy of Sciences, Culture and Arts (Somasca) has called for a review and renewal of the law regulating the arts, stressing the need to update legislation in line with the current challenges facing the country’s arts and literature sectors.
Academy President Ismail Yusuf Osman said the law could be resubmitted for discussion before the Council of Ministers and the Federal Parliament before completing the legislative approval process.
The remarks came during a seminar held in Mogadishu on Monday to discuss the state of Somali arts and literature, with the participation of poets, academics and members of the academy.
Osman explained that renewing the law would be an important step toward addressing challenges facing artists and the arts sector, while also highlighting issues related to creative rights and ownership of some old Somali songs.
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The seminar discussed ways to promote Somali arts and literature, support cultural development, and strengthen the role of poets and artists in preserving the country’s cultural heritage.
Participants also stressed the importance of strengthening the role of arts, literature and culture in Somali society, while addressing challenges facing creative work and protecting the country’s literary and artistic heritage.
The academy said that reviewing the law and strengthening cooperation among relevant institutions could contribute to the development of the arts and literature sectors in Somalia.