UN Experts Condemn Removal of Somalia’s Supreme Court Chief, Demand His Reinstatement

MOGADISHU — United Nations human rights and judicial independence experts have strongly condemned the removal of Somalia’s former Supreme Court chief, Bashir Yusuf Ahmed, describing the decision as inconsistent with the country’s constitutional and legal procedures.

In a statement issued on November 12, 2026, the experts said Ahmed’s dismissal, announced through a presidential decree on November 4, had bypassed legally required procedures, including a recommendation from the Judicial Service Commission and approval by parliament. They also criticised the swearing-in of his successor, Ibrahim Idle Suleiman, on November 7, saying his appointment had been rushed without following the required legal process.

The experts warned that the developments could undermine judicial independence and the rule of law in Somalia. They called on the Somali government to reinstate Ahmed and ensure his safety, as well as that of other judges, so they can carry out their duties without pressure, intimidation or political interference.

The UN experts also expressed concern over reports that security protection had been withdrawn from some judges, urging authorities to restore their protection and ensure security forces do not obstruct the work of the Supreme Court. Their intervention comes amid a wider constitutional and political dispute over the terms of Somalia’s federal institutions, following the Supreme Court’s hearing of a case concerning the extension of the mandates of the president and federal parliament.

The dispute has heightened tensions between the federal government and its opponents, with questions over constitutional procedures and the authority of state institutions remaining unresolved. The experts stressed that judicial independence is a fundamental pillar of governance, democracy and justice, emphasising that judges must be able to make decisions based on the law without interference or pressure from other branches of government.

The UN statement adds to growing international attention on tensions within Somalia’s state institutions and concerns over the future independence of the country’s judiciary.

In a statement issued on November 12, 2026, the experts said Ahmed’s dismissal, announced through a presidential decree on November 4, had bypassed legally required procedures, including a recommendation from the Judicial Service Commission and approval by parliament.

They also criticised the swearing-in of his successor, Ibrahim Idle Suleiman, on November 7, saying his appointment had been rushed without following the required legal process.

The experts warned that the developments could undermine judicial independence and the rule of law in Somalia.

They called on the Somali government to reinstate Ahmed and ensure his safety, as well as that of other judges, so they can carry out their duties without pressure, intimidation or political interference.

The UN experts also expressed concern over reports that security protection had been withdrawn from some judges, urging authorities to restore their protection and ensure security forces do not obstruct the work of the Supreme Court.

Their intervention comes amid a wider constitutional and political dispute over the terms of Somalia’s federal institutions, following the Supreme Court’s hearing of a case concerning the extension of the mandates of the president and federal parliament.