Friday, July 4, 2025 – HAN
Mogadishu — Somalia’s Council of Ministers on Thursday approved a slate of nine candidates for appointment to the National Independent Human Rights Commission (NIHRC), despite criticism from opposition groups. The decision was made during the cabinet’s weekly session, chaired by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre.
The nominations, submitted by the Minister of Family and Human Rights Development, followed what the government described as a “rigorous and transparent selection process.” Officials stated that the process fully complied with Articles 8, 15, 16, and 17(1) and (2) of Law No. 16, passed on June 27, 2016.
According to a government statement, the candidates were selected based on merit, integrity, and professional competence, in accordance with internationally recognized standards, including the Paris Principles and the General Observations of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI).
The government hailed the approval as a significant step in its efforts to establish a credible and independent human rights institution — one it views as essential to advancing human rights protections, strengthening accountability, and promoting the rule of law.
But the process has sparked sharp criticism from the Somali Salvation Forum, a coalition of opposition political groups. In a statement, the Forum condemned the nomination process, accusing the federal government of “unlawful interference” and a lack of transparency.
“The government’s actions undermine the independence of the commission and compromise its credibility,” the Forum said.
The dispute comes at a time of heightened tensions between the federal government and opposition forces, as disagreements persist over constitutional reforms, electoral preparations, and the establishment of independent oversight bodies.
The controversy underscores the complex challenges Somalia faces on its path toward state-building — and highlights the delicate balance between political consensus and institutional development.
