Somali Judges Forum Responds to AJJF Statement, Reaffirms Judicial Independence

MOGADISHU (SONNA) – The Somali Judges Forum has responded to a statement issued by the African Judges and Jurists Forum (AJJF) concerning recent developments affecting Somalia’s judiciary, reaffirming its commitment to judicial independence and the protection of judicial officers.

In its statement, the Forum said public comments on sensitive matters affecting the judiciary should be based on verified facts, a clear understanding of relevant procedures and due consideration of Somalia’s institutional context.

The Forum said the AJJF statement did not give sufficient weight to the transitional arrangements in place pending the finalization of the High Council of the Judiciary. It stressed that a balanced assessment should distinguish verified events from disputed claims and establish whether the necessary procedures were followed before describing any disputed pronouncement as an authoritative judicial ruling.

The Forum also disputed the chronology presented by the AJJF, clarifying that the removal of the Chief Justice was announced on November 4, 2026, while the disputed pronouncement cited by the AJJF was issued on November 5, 2026. It said the removal was therefore announced before the pronouncement, contrary to the AJJF’s claim that it occurred “one day after” it. The Forum said this distinction was important in assessing allegations of retaliation and did not constitute recognition of the disputed pronouncement as a valid court ruling.

The statement further noted that judicial appointments continue to be handled through transitional nomination and appointment arrangements pending the establishment of the High Council of the Judiciary. It said the former Chief Justice’s appointment and removal took place within those transitional arrangements.

The Forum added that the Council of Ministers had approved four nominees to the High Council of the Judiciary and referred their nominations to Parliament for completion of the required procedures.

Reaffirming its commitment to judicial independence and the proper administration of justice, the Forum stressed the importance of established procedures and the exercise of authority by duly authorized judicial officers. It rejected unwarranted political interference and called for concerns surrounding judicial appointments and removals to be addressed through appropriate institutional channels.

The Forum also said it takes credible allegations of intimidation, detention, harassment or unlawful interference involving judicial officers seriously and called for such claims to be properly investigated. However, it cautioned against treating allegations as established facts, urging professional judicial organizations to exercise care before attributing responsibility or motives, particularly where claims are based on reports.

The Somali Judges Forum called for accuracy, restraint and a balanced assessment of Somalia’s transitional institutional arrangements, reaffirming its commitment to judicial independence and preserving public confidence in the fairness, impartiality and integrity of the judiciary.