Somalia's top court rejects president's term extension amid political crisis

On Thursday, the Supreme Court ruled that the constitutional changes could not be applied retrospectively to the president's current term.

In a separate decision, the court declared the chief justice's dismissal "null and void", accusing the presidency of interfering with judicial independence.

The president appointed Ibrahim Idle Suleiman, who previously held the position, to replace Ahmed.

The presidency said the dismissal followed complaints about the administration of justice and was intended to achieve a just and transparent judiciary.

But the court rejected that explanation, insisting that the chief justice could only be removed through established constitutional procedures.

Former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed welcomed the court ruling, saying "the country is facing a grave political crisis", calling on Mohamud to embrace a consensus-based approach.