Unusual Reaction Following Step Taken by Hassan Today

Mogadishu (Caasimada Online) – An unusual reaction has arisen following a step taken today by the President of Somalia, Mr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, after he participated in the swearing-in of the new Chairman of the Supreme Court of the country, Attorney Ibrahim Idle Suleiman, during a ceremony held at the National Presidential Palace.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud delivered a brief speech at the event, urging the Chairman of the Supreme Court to carry out the constitutional duties assigned to him with transparency, integrity, and responsibility. He also emphasized the importance of upholding the independence of the judiciary, maintaining the rule of law, and ensuring equal justice.

The President appointed Attorney Ibrahim Idle Suleiman as the Chairman of the Supreme Court on the 4th of this month, removing Bashir Yusuf Ahmed from the position. The President's decision came after considering complaints from the country's judges, judicial staff, and legal professionals, which related to the need for improving the judicial system, as stated by the Somali Presidential Office.

However, this step has created further conflict, after the former Chairman of the Supreme Court opposed the dismissal, describing the action taken by the President as illegal. He also argued that the dismissal violated the constitutional principles of the rule of law, the separation of powers among government branches, and the independence of the country's judiciary.

So how has the action taken by Hassan Sheikh today been reacted to?

Abdulqadir Mahmoud: “The one who owns JSP, is it appropriate to elect him as a judicial chairman, how is he going to ensure justice for the people when just yesterday he was campaigning for you?”.

Zakariya Mohamed Isticmaar: “Mr. President, has the new chairman renounced his membership in JSP?”.

Amin Ali Mohamed: “What are we swearing in for, since he is the one who brought this situation and is seizing his own personal interests”.

Xuseen Xasan: “The chairman of the Supreme Court, who can legally swear him in?”.

Ciise Cige: “The chairman, seeing the situation in the country, why did he accept such a difficult position?”.

Mohamed Jaabir: “It is a politically motivated oath, whatever is built on personal interests will eventually collapse one day.”