Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has removed Chief Justice Bashe Yusuf Ahmed from his position and appointed Ibrahim Idle Suleiman to take over the country’s highest judicial office in a major shake-up of the judiciary.
The decision, announced by the presidency on Wednesday, comes as the government moves to introduce sweeping reforms across judicial institutions, with the president citing complaints from judges, court staff and legal professionals about the need for a fair and impartial justice system.
In a statement, the presidency said Hassan Sheikh had decided to replace Ahmed following concerns raised by members of the legal profession, although it did not disclose the specific complaints or explain the circumstances surrounding the chief justice’s removal.
The president said the planned reforms were intended to strengthen the justice system and ensure citizens could access fair and reliable judicial services.
Hassan Sheikh also wished Suleiman success in his new role, stressing the importance of protecting judicial independence, upholding the rule of law and ensuring equal justice for all.
The appointment marks Suleiman’s return to the Supreme Court leadership, having previously served as chief justice after Hassan Sheikh appointed him during his first term in office in 2016.
However, Suleiman was removed in May 2018 by former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo, who appointed Ahmed as his replacement. Following Hassan Sheikh’s return to power in 2022, Suleiman was appointed as the president’s special legal adviser.
Ahmed’s removal comes weeks after the Supreme Court, under his leadership, annulled the results of parliamentary and local council elections in Galmudug and ordered fresh polls.
The court ruled that serious violations had undermined the legality and integrity of the July 30 elections. The case had been filed by the Towfiiq Party.
The presidency’s announcement did not mention the Galmudug ruling or indicate whether it had any connection to the decision to replace Ahmed.
Ahmed had not publicly commented on his removal at the time of the announcement.