MOGADISHU — Former Chief Justice of Somalia’s Supreme Court, Baashe Yusuf Ahmed, is reportedly considering rejecting his removal from office and refusing to formally hand over his responsibilities following his dismissal late Thursday.
Sources close to the former chief justice say he may challenge the decision to remove him, raising the possibility of a dispute over the leadership and authority of the country’s highest court.
Baashe had reportedly been expected to deliver a ruling on Saturday in a constitutional case filed by former Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed. The case concerns the newly adopted Somali Constitution and its constitutional implications.
According to sources familiar with the developments, Baashe’s removal came after Villa Somalia allegedly became aware of the Supreme Court’s anticipated position on the case.
The allegations suggest that the timing of the dismissal may be connected to the pending constitutional proceedings. However, no independent confirmation has been provided establishing the reasons behind his removal or the alleged connection to the expected court ruling.
Baashe is currently reported to be in Nairobi, Kenya, as uncertainty grows over the circumstances surrounding his dismissal and the next steps in the Supreme Court’s leadership transition.
The situation could raise important questions about judicial independence, constitutional procedures and the relationship between Somalia’s executive and judicial branches.
Further developments are expected as attention turns to whether Baashe will formally challenge his removal and whether a handover of office will take place.
