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Somalia's judicial independence under attack: Supreme Court chief warns of threats to his life as armed forces reportedly seize court

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Saturday November 07, 2026 - 19:07:00 in Latest News by Super Admin
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    Somalia's judicial independence under attack: Supreme Court chief warns of threats to his life as armed forces reportedly seize court

    Somalia is facing an alarming constitutional and judicial crisis following reports that armed security forces loyal to former presidential term-holder Hassan Sheikh Mohamud have taken control of the Supreme Court, allegedly threatening the safety of

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Somalia is facing an alarming constitutional and judicial crisis following reports that armed security forces loyal to former presidential term-holder Hassan Sheikh Mohamud have taken control of the Supreme Court, allegedly threatening the safety of its Chief Justice and interfering with the country's highest judicial institution.

The reported intervention follows a landmark Supreme Court ruling declaring that Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's constitutional presidential term had expired.

The developments raise serious concerns about judicial independence, the separation of powers, constitutional governance and the personal security of Somalia's senior judges.

SUPREME COURT CHIEF WARNS HIS LIFE IS IN DANGER

According to statements attributed to the Chief Justice of Somalia's Supreme Court, his personal safety has been placed at serious risk following the court's ruling on the presidential term.

The Chief Justice reportedly warned that armed forces had taken control of the court premises, creating an environment of intimidation and undermining the institution's ability to operate independently.

If substantiated, these actions would represent an extraordinary escalation in the confrontation between the executive authorities and the judiciary.

ALLEGATIONS OF CYBERATTACKS AND INTELLIGENCE INTERFERENCE

The crisis has also extended into the digital infrastructure of Somalia's judicial system.

The Chief Justice has reportedly alleged that the Supreme Court's electronic systems were compromised and that unauthorized actors gained control of the institution's digital operations.

Further allegations suggest that Somalia's National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) took control of the Supreme Court's official Facebook presence.

These allegations raise urgent questions about possible cyber interference, unauthorized access to judicial information and attempts to silence the court's institutional communications.

Waagacusub Media has not independently established the technical origin of the alleged cyber intrusion or verified NISA's responsibility.

WAAGACUSUB JOURNALISTS REPORT ARMED PERSONNEL INSIDE THE COURT

Waagacusub Media journalists have reported witnessing armed personnel occupying areas of the Supreme Court premises in Mogadishu.

According to their firsthand observations, armed men were seen openly chewing khat, locally known as miraa, inside the judicial compound.

The journalists also reported the apparent removal or exclusion of independent judicial personnel from the premises.

These eyewitness accounts, if corroborated, would indicate a disturbing breakdown in the security and institutional independence of Somalia's highest court.

A Supreme Court must remain a place where judges administer justice without coercion, not a facility controlled through armed intimidation.

UN HUMAN RIGHTS EXPERT CALLS FOR RESPECT FOR JUDICIAL INDEPENDENCE

Professor Ben Saul, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights and counter-terrorism, has publicly called on Somalia's leadership to respect the independence of the Supreme Court, constitutional procedures and presidential term limits.

His intervention comes amid mounting concerns over the country's constitutional dispute.

Although UN Special Rapporteurs are independent experts and their statements do not automatically constitute the institutional position of the United Nations, his warning carries significant international human rights implications.

The reported threats against judicial officials and allegations of interference with the Supreme Court demand urgent scrutiny by competent national and international authorities.

A DIRECT CHALLENGE TO CONSTITUTIONAL GOVERNANCE

The Supreme Court's reported determination that Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's presidential mandate had expired lies at the centre of the current confrontation.

However, the legal validity and enforceability of the ruling, together with the competing constitutional interpretations, must be assessed through lawful judicial procedures rather than coercion.

No political leader, security institution or intelligence agency should be permitted to substitute armed force for constitutional adjudication.

Any attempt to intimidate judges, unlawfully occupy court facilities or interfere with judicial communications would constitute a grave threat to the rule of law.

URGENT CALL FOR INTERNATIONAL SCRUTINY

The developments warrant immediate attention from the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, relevant UN Special Procedures, international diplomatic partners and organizations defending judicial independence.

Waagacusub Media calls for:

  • An independent investigation into the reported armed takeover of the Supreme Court.

  • Immediate protection for the Chief Justice, judges, judicial staff and their families.

  • An independent digital forensic investigation into the alleged compromise of the court's systems and official social media accounts.

  • Verification of the legal authority under which armed personnel entered and remained inside the judicial compound.

  • Restoration of unrestricted, lawful judicial operations and accountability for any proven intimidation or unlawful interference.

The allegations concerning the involvement of NISA and forces associated with Hassan Sheikh Mohamud require independent investigation. Responsibility must be established through credible evidence rather than political accusation alone.

SOMALIA'S CONSTITUTIONAL FUTURE AT A CRITICAL CROSSROADS

The independence of the judiciary is not a privilege granted by a president. It is a fundamental safeguard against arbitrary power.

If armed forces can occupy the Supreme Court following an adverse constitutional ruling, the consequences would extend far beyond a dispute over presidential tenure.

They would threaten the ability of every Somali citizen to seek justice without political interference.

A nation cannot claim constitutional government while its highest court operates under the shadow of armed intimidation.

The international community must not overlook credible threats against judicial institutions or the individuals entrusted with defending constitutional order.

Waagacusub Media will continue documenting developments, seeking independent corroboration and examining allegations of political interference, security-force intimidation and cyberattacks against Somalia's judiciary.


WAAGACUSUB MEDIA


Independent Investigative Journalism | Somalia

Editorial note: This report distinguishes the Supreme Court's reported ruling, statements attributed to the Chief Justice, Waagacusub journalists' eyewitness accounts and allegations that remain independently unverified. The accused authorities' responses have not been established for this article.



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