Somalia’s Supreme Court has ruled that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud unlawfully extended his presidential term, deepening a political crisis and triggering a standoff between the presidency and the judiciary.
Somalia’s Supreme Court rules that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud illegally prolonged his presidency, setting off a crisis that has plunged the country into political chaos.
In its Thursday 5 November 2026 decision, the court ruled that a constitutional amendment to extend Mohamud’s four-year term by one year could not be applied retrospectively to his present term.
The president’s mandate ended in May but parliament okayed amendments in March, which will keep him in office until next year.
In addition, the High Court declared Mohamud’s removal of Chief Justice Bashe Yusuf Ahmed as null and void. The removal of Yusef, who was resigned days before the court ruling, was also order by Mohamud.
Judges said the president lacked the right to fire the chief justice except per constitutional procedures, telling him to stay away from the judiciary.
The president had justified its removal, saying it was due to several complaints about the administration of justice and the judiciary’s transparency.
The court also directed politicians to agree on an electoral roadmap within 30 days and hold elections within 90 days, possibly sparking the end of plans to hold a countrywide poll next year.
The opposition argue that Mohamud is pushing constitutional changes to extend his mandate, which he says will lead to direct elections.
Embroiled in internal disputes, former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed appealed for unity, warning that the nation is in serious political turmoil.