By Goth Mohamed Goth
HARGEISA – The Somaliland judiciary has embarked on a sweeping transformation after delegates at the National Judiciary Conference unanimously approved a comprehensive reform agenda with a 97% majority vote. The landmark two-day conference, held on 28–29 June at the Mansoor Hotel in Hargeisa, set the course for a modern, independent, and accountable judicial system for 2026–2029.
Supreme Court Chairman and head of the Judicial Commission, Adam Haji Ali Ahmed, issued a binding circular on 4 July mandating the immediate dissemination and implementation of all resolutions. The directive applies to all regional courts, prosecution offices, police commands, custodial corps, and legal associations across Somaliland.
The conference builds directly upon the National Justice Conference of December 2025 and aligns with a presidential circular from February 2026, which called for a coordinated restructuring of the justice sector.
Institutional Strengthening and Judicial Independence
To reinforce judicial autonomy, the conference approved expanding the Supreme Court bench to thirteen judges to clear mounting case backlogs. The Judicial Commission will receive enhanced administrative powers, increased budgetary allocations, and expanded regional offices to strengthen oversight, manage complaints, and uphold judicial ethics and performance standards.
Recognizing that independence requires adequate compensation, delegates approved a phased salary increase for judges and court staff, alongside a dedicated retirement and welfare system designed to retain experienced professionals and reduce vulnerabilities to corruption and external influence.
Technology, Infrastructure, and Training
A modern digital Case Management System will be rolled out across all justice institutions, integrating the Police, Attorney General’s office, Courts, and Custodial Corps. The system will handle case registration, evidence management, scheduling, enforcement tracking, and data sharing to minimize delays and improve transparency.
The conference also approved the establishment of the Somaliland Justice Training Institute, which will serve as the national hub for professional development. The institute will provide induction, ethics, leadership, and specialized training for judges, prosecutors, investigators, lawyers, and court staff.
Infrastructure received equal priority, with plans to construct, modernize, and equip courts, police stations, prosecutors’ offices, and custodial centers across all regions. Improvements to transport, internet connectivity, and courtroom technology are also expected to enhance access to justice nationwide.
Accountability, Law Enforcement, and Legal Reform
To rebuild public trust, the conference mandated independent complaint mechanisms covering all justice institutions, with annual accountability reports to be published. Police investigative capacity will be strengthened through modern forensic training, improved crime scene management, and better cooperation with prosecutors.
On enforcement, the Ministry of Interior—collaborating with the judiciary, police, and prosecution—will establish unified national procedures for executing court judgments, with quarterly monitoring reports to ensure compliance.
The conference identified legal reform as fundamental to progress, ordering a comprehensive review and amendment of more than fifteen key statutes. These include the Judiciary Organization Law, Evidence Law, Penal Code, Civil Code, Anti-Terrorism Law, and legislation addressing gender-based violence (SGBV), juvenile justice, and notarial services. The revision process will involve broad consultation with legal professionals, universities, civil society, traditional leaders, and religious scholars to ensure alignment with constitutional guarantees and international standards.
Unifying Reform Efforts
Delegates emphasized that the June resolutions are fully complementary to the December 2025 Justice Conference outcomes, together forming a single, unified reform trajectory for the sector.
“The conference affirms that an independent, efficient, transparent, accountable judiciary with adequate capacity and resources is the most important pillar for upholding the Constitution, promoting economic development, lasting peace, and strengthening the rule of law in Somaliland,” the final resolution stated.
The approved reforms are now legally binding, with the 4 July circular requiring all judicial and law enforcement bodies to begin implementation without delay.
