Somalia's Supreme Court has rejected President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed's unilateral extension of his term by two years, a move that had intensified a growing political crisis. The court's decision on Tuesday upholds an earlier parliamentary vote that reversed the extension.
The president's term officially ended in February, but he pushed for an extension amid stalled elections. This decision had been met with widespread condemnation, including from international partners, and fueled fears of renewed conflict in a nation already grappling with instability.
The upcoming elections were intended to be Somalia's first nationwide direct elections since 1969. The timetable for these elections is now cast into doubt by the ongoing political dispute and the uncertainty surrounding the legitimacy of the government.