National Human Rights Commission Chair Briefs President on Progress and Challenges

MOGADISHU — President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has received the Chairperson of the National Independent Human Rights Commission, Dr. Maryan Qasim Ahmed, at Villa Somalia for discussions on the commission’s progress, challenges, and the importance of strengthening human rights protection in the country .

Dr. Maryan briefed the President on the commission’s development and operational status, progress made over the past six months, and efforts to build a transparent and credible national institution. The meeting also addressed the challenges facing the commission, strengthening cooperation with government institutions, and securing the necessary support for the commission to fulfill its constitutional mandate independently and effectively.

President Hassan Sheikh and Chairperson Maryan emphasized the importance of protecting and promoting human rights, strengthening accountability, upholding the rule of law, and building sustainable national institutions that protect the rights and dignity of Somali citizens.

Earlier the same day, Dr. Maryan also met with the Minister of Family and Human Rights Development, Ambassador Khadiija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi, for consultations on advancing and strengthening human rights protection in Somalia. The two sides discussed the responsibilities and tasks facing their institutions and how to strengthen cooperation in promoting human rights and protecting the rights of citizens.

The National Independent Human Rights Commission was formally established in December 2025 when President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud enacted legislation creating the commission, following ratification by both chambers of the federal parliament, coinciding with Somalia’s observance of Human Rights Day . Minister of Family and Human Rights Development, Ambassador Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi, welcomed the President’s action, describing it as a historic step that concludes a long journey of institution-building. “The President’s decision to finalize this process on International Human Rights Day adds a layer of historic significance to our nation’s journey toward justice and accountability,” the minister stated .

Strengthening Human Rights Institutions

Dr. Maryam Qasim Ahmed was elected Chairperson of the Commission in February 2026, bringing over forty years of expertise in public administration, health, education and humanitarian affairs to the role . The commission consists of nine members chosen through a merit-based selection process conducted in May 2025, with the full slate approved by Somalia’s Council of Ministers in accordance with national legal frameworks governing independent constitutional bodies .

Commissioner Farhan Jimale has described the creation of the body as “an act of national healing,” stating that “it affirms that Somalia is ready to govern itself not only by strength, but by justice. Not only by power, but by principle” . The establishment of the commission marks a historic step toward Somalia reclaiming full ownership of its human rights agenda after decades of international supervision, effectively ending more than thirty years of external monitoring that began in 1993 .

However, the selection process has not been without controversy. The Somali Women Journalists Organisation (SWJO) has described the process as “corrupt and opaque,” alleging that political interference and favoritism heavily influenced the appointments while transparency was severely lacking . SWJO warns that such compromised procedures could undermine public trust in the commission and weaken its ability to perform its critical role.

Commission’s Engagement with International Partners

The UK delegation has particularly commended the establishment of the National Independent Human Rights Commission, describing it as a vital institutional milestone for the country . The commission has also deepened its partnership with international partners, including the European Union, to strengthen oversight, rule of law, and protection of vulnerable communities .

The Commission’s Deputy Chairperson, Mohamed Harun Mohamud, has held strategic meetings with Switzerland’s Ambassador to Somalia, confirming the institution’s alignment with the Paris Principles and its commitment to operate with complete independence and strict neutrality . “The Commission will operate with complete independence and strict neutrality,” Mohamud said, stressing the importance of building an institution that commands public trust and has the capacity to execute its mandate with transparency and efficiency .

The Commission has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (RWI) to strengthen its institutional foundation and operational capacity in line with the internationally recognized Paris Principles .

The Commission has held high-level joint meetings with the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and the Attorney General to strengthen institutional cooperation on human rights, judicial independence and the rule of law . The talks focused on the critical role of judicial institutions in safeguarding constitutional rights, upholding due process, ensuring judicial independence, promoting accountability and reinforcing public trust in the nation’s legal system .

The Commission has launched a week-long capacity-building workshop in Mogadishu aimed at strengthening its ability to protect and promote human rights throughout Somalia, gathering Commission members and specialists from the United Nations along with regional human rights bodies to boost institutional capabilities .

The Commission has also met with the Special Presidential Envoy for Stabilization and Civilian Protection, Omar Hashi, to strengthen cooperation on civilian protection, institutional coordination, accountability, and human rights monitoring, following the formal approval of Somalia’s National Civilian Protection Policy .

The Commission has opened a preliminary inquiry into a deeply concerning alleged incident in Digta Margoos, Lower Juba region, where several civilians were reportedly killed by armed individuals . The Commission is actively verifying the circumstances surrounding the incident and engaging with local authorities, community representatives, and independent observers in the region to gather accurate and reliable information .

Critical Note

The meetings between President Hassan Sheikh and Chairperson Maryan, and between the Chairperson and Minister Al-Makhzoumi, reflect a growing institutional focus on human rights in Somalia. The establishment of the National Independent Human Rights Commission represents a significant milestone in Somalia’s state-building process and its journey toward reclaiming full ownership of its human rights agenda after decades of international supervision.

However, the effectiveness of these institutions will depend on whether they can operate independently and hold the government accountable for human rights violations. The allegations of political interference and favoritism in the selection process raised by the Somali Women Journalists Organisation highlight concerns about the commission’s credibility and independence.

The National Human Rights Commission faces significant challenges, including limited resources, political interference, and the difficulty of operating in a country where insecurity and weak governance remain pervasive. The government must ensure that the commission has the resources and independence it needs to fulfill its mandate.

As Somalia continues to navigate political and security challenges, the protection of human rights must remain a priority. Without genuine commitment to accountability and the rule of law, the risk is that human rights institutions will remain symbolic rather than effective. The international community must continue to support the commission while demanding transparency and accountability in its operations.