Somalia Supreme Court Rules President's Term Expired

The Supreme Court of Somalia ruled on November 5, 2026, that the mandates of Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the federal parliament, and the government expired in early 2026. The court determined that parliament's term ended April 14 and the president's term ended May 15, declaring all subsequent official actions unconstitutional and null and void. This ruling rejects government claims that March constitutional amendments legally extended terms for a transition period.

The court ordered all parties to agree on an election framework within 30 days and hold elections within 90 days. This decision follows a petition filed on October 11 by former president Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, who argued that the 2027 election framework and constitutional amendments were adopted unlawfully.

On November 4, one day before the ruling, President Mohamud dismissed Chief Justice Baashe Yusuf Ahmed, appointing former legal adviser Ibrahim Idle Suleiman as his replacement. The presidency cited the need for a fair and trustworthy justice system, but the Supreme Court declared the dismissal null and void, calling it an attempt to obstruct justice. Unconfirmed reports indicate Chief Justice Ahmed may be under arrest.

Simultaneously, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre dismissed two cabinet officials, Said Mohamed Mahmoud and Fartuun Abdiqadir Farah, citing constitutional authority. Critics have challenged the legitimacy of these dismissals, noting that the prime minister's own mandate expired on May 15.