Friday July 4, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) – Somali Council of Ministers on Thursday
formally approved a list of nine candidates for appointment to the National
Independent Human Rights Commission (NIHRC) during its weekly session chaired
by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre.
The nominations, submitted by the Minister of Family and
Human Rights Development, followed what the government described as a
"rigorous and transparent selection process." The process was
reportedly carried out in full compliance with Articles 8, 15, 16, and 17(1)
and (2) of Law No. 16, enacted on 27 June 2016.
According to a government statement, the shortlisted
candidates were chosen based on merit, integrity, and professional competence,
in line with internationally recognized standards such as the Paris Principles
and the General Observations of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights
Institutions (GANHRI).
The Council’s endorsement marks a major milestone in
Somalia’s long-standing efforts to establish a credible and independent human
rights institution. The government views this step as critical to advancing
human rights protections, strengthening accountability mechanisms, and
reinforcing the rule of law.
However, the appointment process has sparked backlash from
the Somali Salvation Forum, a coalition of opposition political actors. The
Forum issued a strong condemnation of the NIHRC nomination process, accusing
the federal government of unlawful interference and lacking transparency.
"The government's actions undermine the independence of
the commission and compromise its credibility," the Forum said in a
statement.
The dispute comes amid broader tensions between the federal
government and opposition forces, as disagreements persist over constitutional
reforms, the upcoming electoral process, and the establishment of independent
oversight bodies.
The unfolding controversy underscores the growing challenges
in Somalia’s state-building journey and highlights the fragile balance between
political consensus and institutional development.