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On Thursday, the Somali Council of Ministers officially approved nine nominees for appointment to the National Independent Human Rights Commission (NIHRC). The decision was made during their weekly meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre.
The candidates were put forward by the Minister of Family and Human Rights Development, following what the government described as a fair and transparent selection process. According to official statements, the process followed Somalia’s human rights law—specifically Articles 8, 15, 16, and 17(1) and (2) of Law No. 16, passed on June 27, 2016.
The government emphasized that the candidates were selected based on their qualifications, experience, and personal integrity. It also noted that the selection met global human rights standards, including the Paris Principles and guidance from the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI). These international standards are used to assess the effectiveness, independence, and professionalism of national human rights bodies.
By approving these nominees, the government says it has taken an important step toward building a stronger and more independent system for protecting human rights in Somalia. Officials believe this move will help ensure greater accountability, uphold the rule of law, and improve the country’s human rights framework.
However, the decision has triggered criticism from opposition groups. The Somali Salvation Forum, a major coalition of political opposition figures, strongly condemned the nomination process. In a statement, the Forum accused the government of interfering with the process and failing to maintain transparency.
“The government’s actions undermine the independence of the commission and compromise its credibility,” the group said.
The Forum claims that the selection process was not as open and transparent as the government suggested, and warned that such practices could damage public trust in key institutions meant to serve the people.
This disagreement over the NIHRC appointments is just one of several disputes currently straining relations between the federal government and opposition forces. Other ongoing points of tension include debates over constitutional reforms, the upcoming national elections, and the creation of independent oversight bodies to check government power.
The clash over the NIHRC highlights how difficult it remains to achieve political consensus in Somalia’s nation-building journey. While the federal government continues efforts to strengthen institutions and promote the rule of law, many opposition groups remain skeptical, fearing the process is being used to consolidate power rather than to serve the public good.
Despite the criticism, the government appears determined to move forward with the appointments, which it sees as a milestone in Somalia’s long-standing effort to create a legitimate and effective human rights commission.
As the country prepares for future reforms and elections, the handling of these appointments could set an important precedent for how national institutions are formed and how power is shared across political divides. The situation also brings into focus the importance of transparency, inclusivity, and dialogue in building public confidence in government-led reforms.
For now, the approval of the NIHRC nominees stands as a major development in Somalia’s efforts to strengthen its human rights protections. But the controversy surrounding the process is a reminder of the fragile political environment in which these changes are taking place—and the need for continued cooperation, accountability, and public engagement.