Somalia pushes for stronger chemical safety through Bamako Convention Ratification

Somalia is set to strengthen its environmental protections as it nears ratification of the Bamako Convention, a key treaty aimed at keeping hazardous waste out of Africa.

Bushra Ahmed Abdi, senior advisor to the Somali Ambassador on UNON, UNEP, and UN-HABITAT, delivered the statement, emphasising the urgent need to protect human life and the environment.

She stressed that the discussions were about more than policy.

“We are here to discuss more than just policy; we are here to discuss the protection of human life and the preservation of our sovereign lands,” she said.

Somalia, she noted, has long faced the dumping of hazardous materials from abroad.

For the country, proper chemical management is essential.

“The sound management of chemicals and the strengthening of waste reporting systems is not merely an environmental goal—it is a cornerstone of our national security, our public health, and our future prosperity,” Bushra added.

Somalia has made progress under its National Transformation Plan (2025–2029) and the recently validated NDC 3.0.

The National Environment Policy is now operational, and the Environmental Management Bill is being finalised to enforce the polluter-pays principle. Cities are implementing local laws targeting biomedical and solid waste with support from UN-HABITAT.

Bushra acknowledged Somalia’s vulnerability.

“While we contribute less than 0.02% of global emissions, we remain one of the most vulnerable nations to the toxic intersection of climate change and chemical pollution,” she said.

On the international front, Somalia highlighted the importance of the Bamako Convention.

“While Somalia has been a party to the Basel Convention, we recognise its limitations. The Basel Convention manages the movement of waste; the Bamako Convention protects Africa from it,” Bushra said.

She also stressed the value of regional cooperation through the Regional Clearing-House Mechanism.

“By sharing data and validating waste flows in real-time, we can ensure that no shipment of hazardous material enters our territory undetected,” she said.

Bushra also called for continental unity.

“Somalia stands ready to work with our fellow African nations. Let us build a continent where our progress is measured by the health of our children and the purity of our soil,” she said.

“Together, we can ensure that Africa is never again a dumping ground, but a leader in the global green economy.”

Somalia’s upcoming ratification of the Bamako Convention marks a major step in protecting its citizens and environment from hazardous waste, while strengthening the country’s environmental governance.