MOGADISHU (SD)— Former Somalia Chief Justice Bashe Yusuf Ahmed has again criticized President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, saying his removal from office was illegal and accusing the president of interfering in the country’s courts.

Bashe described the situation in Somalia as a form of dictatorship, arguing that the president was using government power in ways that go against the law and weaken the independence of the judiciary. His comments reflect opposition concerns about the government’s growing control over state institutions.

The former chief justice also said he did not feel safe in Mogadishu. He called on President Hassan Sheikh to remove armed soldiers stationed at the Supreme Court, arguing that their presence could threaten the court’s independence. He said he had once hoped the president would help bring Somaliland and southern Somalia closer together, but urged him to put the country’s interests ahead of political disputes.

Bashe also called on the president to respect a Supreme Court decision issued on November 5. According to Bashe, the ruling said the president’s term had ended and urged the government to protect the Constitution and the independence of the courts. The government’s position on the ruling and its legal effect remain disputed.

When asked about alleged links with foreign governments, Bashe rejected claims that the Supreme Court was working for another country. He said such accusations were being used to discredit and put pressure on the judiciary.

Bashe’s statements raise serious questions about the government’s treatment of independent institutions. Opposition figures argue that the president should not control the courts or use security forces in a way that could influence judicial decisions.

The presence of armed soldiers at the Supreme Court is particularly sensitive because courts are expected to operate independently and without pressure from political leaders. The opposition sees this dispute as part of a wider struggle over the president’s powers, the Constitution and the future leadership of the country.

The disagreement over the November 5 court decision is also important. Bashe says the ruling means the president’s term has ended, while the government’s position is disputed. The full court decision and the relevant constitutional provisions are needed to establish the legal position.

For the opposition, the main concern is that political disagreements should be settled through the law and genuine dialogue, not through the use of government power or security forces.