Somalia’s Chief Justice and Six Judges Reportedly Take the President to Regional Court

ARUSHA (SD) — Somalia’s Chief Justice, Bashe Yusuf Ahmed, and six Supreme Court judges have reportedly filed a case against President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud at the East African Court of Justice.

According to Somali Stream, the judges accuse the President of violating the Constitution and interfering with the independence of the courts.

They also claim that judges have faced threats and pressure because of the ongoing dispute. These claims have not been independently confirmed.

The case follows President Hassan Sheikh’s decision to remove Bashe from his position as Chief Justice and appoint a replacement.

The President’s office said the decision followed complaints about how the courts were being managed. It said the move was part of efforts to improve the justice system.

However, the Supreme Court rejected the removal. It said the President did not have the legal power to remove the Chief Justice without following the proper process.

The dispute became more serious after the Supreme Court issued a ruling on November 5, 2026. The court said the terms of the President, Federal Parliament and Federal Government had expired. It rejected the decision to extend their terms.

The court also called on political leaders to agree on an election plan within 30 days and hold elections within 90 days. The ruling has added to the political crisis.

The judges have reportedly asked the East African Court of Justice, based in Arusha, Tanzania, to examine their complaints under the East African Community Treaty.

The move could take the dispute beyond Somalia’s own courts and government institutions. However, it is not yet clear whether the regional court has officially registered the case or agreed to hear it.

The Somali government has not yet publicly responded to the reported case or the judges’ accusations.

The dispute has now become a serious test of Somalia’s justice system. The President says Bashe was removed because of complaints about the courts. The Supreme Court says the removal was illegal.

The judges’ claims of threats and pressure are also serious. However, they still need to be supported by evidence.

The regional court’s next steps will be important. If it agrees to hear the case, the dispute could put more pressure on the Somali government.

The growing conflict between the President and the courts also makes it harder for Somali leaders to agree on elections and resolve the country’s wider political crisis.