Somalia’s attorney general rejected the Supreme Court’s order to hold elections within 90 days, saying its ruling that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s term had ended has no legal effect and worsening a dispute between the government and judiciary.
The five-judge panel ruled on November 5 that Mohamud’s term ended on May 15. It also ruled that parliament’s mandate ended on April 14. The panel rejected the government’s claim that constitutional changes extended the current leaders’ terms until 2027.
It ordered political leaders to agree on an election plan within 30 days. It ordered elections to be held within 90 days. It limited the cabinet to routine caretaker duties.
The attorney general’s office questioned whether the court had authority to hear the case. It also questioned whether former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed had the right to bring it. The office accused the judges of procedural errors, including failing to consider the government’s objections first.
It argued that the chief justice should have led the panel. It also said the court ruled on an issue that was not part of the petition. The office promised to take further legal action but did not say what steps it would take.
In a separate ruling, the court declared Mohamud’s dismissal of Chief Justice Baashe Yusuf Ahmed invalid. It said the president had no authority to remove him by decree. The dispute threatens to derail the government’s planned national elections in April and May 2027.
Opposition leaders and regional administrations are contesting the president’s electoral changes and extension of his term.