By Goth Mohamed Goth
The Somaliland Lawyers Association (SOLLA), represented by Advocate Mohamed Mahmoud, presented a comprehensive assessment of the current state of the judiciary. SOLLA raised particular concerns regarding the functioning of the Judicial Commission, the transparency of judicial appointments, and the enforcement of professional conduct standards.
Advocate Mahmoud emphasized that weak oversight mechanisms and ambiguous regulatory frameworks have contributed to inconsistencies in judicial decision-making and a perception of impunity among some legal practitioners. He further noted that the existing rules governing court administration and case allocation are often applied unevenly, undermining public confidence in the system.
To remedy these issues, SOLLA proposed a sweeping reform package that includes:
· Revision of judicial codes and procedural rules to ensure clarity and uniformity.
· Strengthening of accountability bodies within the judiciary to investigate misconduct and enforce ethical standards.
· Establishment of performance benchmarks for judges and court staff to improve service delivery.
· Enhanced training programs on legal ethics, human rights, and modern case management for all judicial officers.
“The time for incremental change has passed,” Advocate Mahmoud declared. “We need a fundamental restructuring of how justice is administered and how judicial officials are held to account. Only then can we restore the judiciary’s moral authority and ensure that every citizen receives a fair hearing.”
