New Somali Supreme Court president sworn in
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Caasimada Online
Ibrahim Iidle Suleymaan was sworn in as the new president of the Somali Supreme Court at a ceremony presided over by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. His appointment follows the dismissal of Baashe Yuusuf Axmed, who disputes the legality of his removal, reports Caasimada.
Somali President Xasan Sheekh Maxamuud had Ibrahim Iidle Suleyman, the new president of the Supreme Court of Somalia, sworn in at a ceremony at the presidential palace in Mogadishu. The head of state asked him to carry out his constitutional duties effectively, with integrity and responsibility, while stressing the independence of the judiciary and equality before the law, according to Caasimada Online.
Xasan Sheekh appointed Ibrahim Iidle Suleyman to head the Supreme Court on 4 November, replacing Baashe Yuusuf Axmed. The Somali presidency justified the decision by citing complaints from judges, judicial staff and legal professionals concerning the need to improve the judicial system, according to Caasimada Online.
The ceremony comes amid a dispute over the appointment. Baashe Yuusuf Axmed described his dismissal as illegal and said it violated the constitutional principles of the rule of law, separation of powers and judicial independence. Several reactions published by Caasimada Online also questioned the appointment process and the impartiality of the new Supreme Court president.
The swearing-in took place four days after Xasan Sheekh dismissed the president of the Somali Supreme Court, on 4 November. On 5 November, the Supreme Court ruled that Mohamud's continued rule was illegal, adding a new judicial controversy surrounding the Somali president's power.
