Ousted Supreme Court Chief Accuses Somali President of Unlawful Removal

MOGADISHU — Former Somali Supreme Court Chief Justice Baashe Yusuf Ahmed has challenged his removal from office, accusing the federal government of using unlawful procedures and undermining the independence of the judiciary.

Speaking at a news conference in Mogadishu, Baashe said the circumstances surrounding his dismissal lacked legal legitimacy and criticised the deployment of a large number of security forces to the Supreme Court headquarters. He said the presence of heavily armed troops had created fear and insecurity, adding that he felt his personal safety was at risk.

Baashe stressed that his objections were not about retaining his position but about upholding the law and protecting the independence of the country’s judicial institutions. “I am not defending my position; I am defending the law.

The president must withdraw the 300 soldiers he has deployed around the Supreme Court,” he said. He also called on President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to remove the security forces from the court’s premises, expressing concern over the presence of a large military contingent at the country’s highest judicial institution.

The former chief justice’s remarks come amid an escalating dispute over his removal, raising broader questions about the legal procedures governing the dismissal of senior judicial officials and the separation of powers within Somalia’s federal institutions. The dispute has also renewed concerns over judicial independence and the relationship between the executive branch and the judiciary.

Baashe’s removal has become a source of controversy, with attention focused on whether the procedures followed by the federal authorities complied with constitutional and legal requirements.

Speaking at a news conference in Mogadishu, Baashe said the circumstances surrounding his dismissal lacked legal legitimacy and criticised the deployment of a large number of security forces to the Supreme Court headquarters.

He said the presence of heavily armed troops had created fear and insecurity, adding that he felt his personal safety was at risk.

Baashe stressed that his objections were not about retaining his position but about upholding the law and protecting the independence of the country’s judicial institutions.

“I am not defending my position; I am defending the law. The president must withdraw the 300 soldiers he has deployed around the Supreme Court,” he said.

He also called on President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to remove the security forces from the court’s premises, expressing concern over the presence of a large military contingent at the country’s highest judicial institution.

The former chief justice’s remarks come amid an escalating dispute over his removal, raising broader questions about the legal procedures governing the dismissal of senior judicial officials and the separation of powers within Somalia’s federal institutions.