MOGADISHU — Dr. Maryam Qasim Ahmed was elected Chairperson of Somalia’s Independent Human Rights Commission (IHRC) on Wednesday following a leadership vote in the capital, Mogadishu.
The election represents a pivotal development for the nation’s human rights monitoring agency, which recently reclaimed full autonomy for managing and reporting on rights issues in the country.
Transparent Election Process
The contest initially featured three candidates: Dr. Maryam Qasim, Dr. Omar Abdulle Ulusow, and Farhan Mohamed Jimale. However, Jimale officially withdrew his candidacy just prior to the voting process.
In addition to the Chairperson, the Commission elected Mr. Mohamed Harun as Vice Chairperson and Ms. Fadumo Abdiqani Yusuf as Secretary.
The IHRC consists of nine members chosen through a merit-based selection process conducted in May 2025. The commissioners were subsequently endorsed by the Council of Ministers in compliance with legal statutes regulating autonomous constitutional institutions.
Presidential Congratulations
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud congratulated the new leadership team, noting that their collective experience will play a vital role in realizing Somalia’s vision for protecting civil liberties.
“The President urged the officials… to focus on the promotion and protection of human rights, the strengthening of justice, and the enhancement of accountability,” a statement from Villa Somalia read.
Former Prime Minister Ali Mohamed Gedi also extended his congratulations to the newly elected members.
Veteran Leadership
Dr. Maryam Qasim brings over forty years of expertise in public administration and social services to the role. A certified specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, she has previously held high-level portfolios, including Minister of Health, Education and Social Services, and Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management.
Her election coincides with ongoing national initiatives to reinforce independent establishments and ensure Somalia can independently fulfill its international obligations regarding human rights defense.
