Somali president replaces Supreme Court chief
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Shabelle Media Network
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud dismissed Supreme Court President Baashe Yusuf Ahmed and appointed lawyer Ibraahim Iidle Suleymaan in his place. The decision comes as part of an announced judicial reform, amid opposition to constitutional amendments, according to the Somali presidency cited by Shabelle Media Network.
Somali President Hassan Cheikh Mohamoud appointed Ibraahim Iidle Suleymaan to head the Supreme Court, replacing Baashe Yuusuf Axmed. The new president of the highest court had already held the position from July 2011 to May 2016, according to a statement from the Somali presidency relayed by Shabelle Media Network.
The presidency said the decision responded to complaints from judges, judicial institution staff and legal professionals about the need for a transparent and impartial justice system. Hassan Cheikh Mohamoud tasked the new official with safeguarding judicial independence, the application of the law and equality before the law.
The appointment comes amid political disagreement over constitutional reform. Opposition members brought the reform before the Supreme Court, and Baashe Yuusuf Axmed’s replacement came a few hours before the court was expected to rule on the application, Shabelle Media Network reports.
Ibraahim Iidle Suleymaan’s appointment follows the dismissal of the president of Somalia’s Supreme Court, announced on 4 November.
