From BBC News · · 1m 30s
Somalia's court voids president's term extension
The Supreme Court rules President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud unlawfully extended his mandate and orders elections within 90 days, deepening a constitutional crisis.
In brief
The Supreme Court rules President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud unlawfully extended his mandate and orders elections within 90 days, deepening a constitutional crisis. Somalia's Supreme Court ruled President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's term extension unlawful and ordered elections within 90 days, escalating a standoff between the…
Court rejects term extension
Somalia's Supreme Court ruled Thursday that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud unlawfully extended his term, escalating a political crisis between the presidency and judiciary.
Mandate expired in May
Mohamud's four-year mandate expired in May, but his administration extended it by a year through law changes approved by parliament in March.
President dismisses chief justice
Thursday's ruling came a day after Mohamud dismissed Chief Justice Bashe Yusuf Ahmed. The court declared the dismissal null and void, accusing the presidency of interfering with judicial independence.
Opposition calls for consensus
Former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed welcomed the court ruling, saying the country faces a grave political crisis and calling on Mohamud to embrace a consensus-based approach.
“the country is facing a grave political crisis”
Security forces at court
Former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire accused the president of deploying security forces to the Supreme Court and attempting to arrest its chief justice, calling it an assault on the judiciary.
“Somalia stands at a dangerous juncture. The dismantling of our judiciary is a direct threat to the rule of law.”
Elections ordered within 90 days
The court ordered political leaders to agree on an electoral plan within 30 days and hold elections within 90 days, potentially disrupting government plans for nationwide polls next year.
What it means
Somalia's Supreme Court ruled President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's term extension unlawful and ordered elections within 90 days, escalating a standoff between the presidency and judiciary.
