OFFICIAL STATEMENT
CSHRD Condemns the President’s Unlawful Actions and Calls for the Restoration of Judicial Independence, Constitutional Order and Democratic Accountability in Somalia.
13 November 2026 | Mogadishu, Somalia
The Coalition of Somali Human Rights Defenders (CSHRD) strongly condemns President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s purported dismissal of Somalia’s Chief Justice, Hon. Bashe Yusuf Ahmed, the reported threats to the security of Supreme Court judges, and the Government’s refusal to respect the Supreme Court’s decisions concerning the constitutional mandates of federal institutions.
CSHRD considers these developments a serious threat to judicial independence, the separation of powers, constitutional governance and the rule of law in Somalia.
On 5 November 2026, Somalia’s Supreme Court rejected the President’s dismissal of Chief Justice Bashe Yusuf Ahmed as null and void. The Court also ruled that the constitutional amendments extending presidential and parliamentary terms could not be applied retrospectively to extend the mandates of current officeholders. It directed political stakeholders to agree on an electoral framework within 30 days and hold elections within 90 days. News +2
CSHRD stands in solidarity with United Nations human rights experts, including, UN Special Rapporteurs, who have condemned the reported actions and called for the restoration of the lawfully appointed Chief Justice and guarantees for the security of all judges.
POLITICAL MANIPULATION AND THE RISK OF A NEW DICTATORSHIP
CSHRD is deeply concerned that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is pursuing a political agenda aimed at manipulating Somalia’s constitutional and electoral system to prolong his stay in power beyond the mandate recognised by the Supreme Court.
The attempt to extend the mandates of existing political institutions through constitutional changes, coupled with the dismissal of the Chief Justice while the judiciary was examining the legality of those extensions, raises serious concerns about the concentration of executive power and the erosion of democratic accountability.
CSHRD warns that manipulating electoral arrangements, undermining judicial independence and disregarding constitutional limitations risk paving the way for personal rule and a new dictatorship in Somalia.
We are particularly concerned that these actions could undermine the credibility, transparency and integrity of future elections, creating conditions in which electoral processes become instruments for retaining political power rather than reflecting the genuine will of the Somali people.
Somalia must not become a country where a president can change the rules, weaken independent institutions and manipulate elections simply to remain in office. No individual has the right to place personal political ambitions above the Constitution and the democratic rights of citizens.
CSHRD CALLS FOR:
1. Immediate restoration of Chief Justice Bashe Yusuf Ahmed to his lawful position, in accordance with the Supreme Court’s decision.
2. Immediate guarantees of protection and security for the Chief Justice, Supreme Court judges, their families and other judicial officers facing threats, intimidation or reprisals.
3. Full respect for judicial independence, including an immediate end to executive interference in the functioning of the Supreme Court and other judicial institutions.
4. Respect for the Supreme Court’s decisions, including its ruling on the application of constitutional amendments to existing mandates and its directions concerning the electoral timetable.
5. An end to unconstitutional attempts to prolong political mandates, manipulate electoral arrangements or consolidate executive power beyond constitutionally recognised limits.
6. Transparent, inclusive and credible elections, conducted through a legitimate electoral framework that reflects the will of the Somali people and guarantees political participation, accountability and democratic competition.
7. Independent investigations into threats and intimidation against judges and judicial personnel, with appropriate accountability for anyone responsible.
8. Protection of lawyers, legal advocates and human rights defenders who defend constitutionalism, judicial independence, democratic governance and the rule of law.
CALL FOR INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY AND ACTION
CSHRD calls upon the United Nations, particularly the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and relevant Special Procedures, the African Union, European Union, international judicial associations, diplomatic missions and international human rights organisations to:
* Publicly reaffirm their commitment to judicial independence and constitutional governance in Somalia.
* Closely monitor developments affecting the Supreme Court and the security of judges.
* Urge the Federal Government to respect and implement the Supreme Court’s decisions.
* Engage relevant Somali authorities to prevent further institutional interference and political escalation.
* Support appropriate protection mechanisms for judges, lawyers and legal professionals at risk.
* Advocate for an inclusive, transparent and constitutionally grounded electoral process.
### OUR POSITION: THE CONSTITUTION MUST PREVAIL
CSHRD reiterates that judicial independence is not a political privilege or a favour granted by the executive. It is a fundamental constitutional guarantee and an essential safeguard for every citizen against the arbitrary exercise of power.
The rule of law requires that public officials respect constitutional limitations, independent judicial decisions and democratic accountability. No president, government institution or political leader is above the law.
Somalia has endured decades of conflict, institutional fragility and authoritarian rule. Its people deserve democratic institutions, accountable leadership, independent courts and elections that genuinely reflect their will—not another concentration of power under an individual political leader.
We reject any attempt to turn constitutional reform into an instrument of political self-preservation, electoral manipulation or indefinite rule. Somalia belongs to its people, not to any president or political administration.
CSHRD stands in solidarity with the independent judiciary, Somali legal professionals, human rights defenders and all citizens committed to defending constitutional order, democracy and the rule of law.
THE CONSTITUTION MUST PREVAIL. JUSTICE MUST REMAIN INDEPENDENT. NO PRESIDENT IS ABOVE THE LAW. SOMALIA MUST NOT RETURN TO DICTATORSHIP.
Issued by:
Coalition of Somali Human Rights Defenders (CSHRD) ECOSOC Special Consultative Status – United Nations