The Ministry of Justice of the Republic Somaliland (Somali: Wasaaradda Caddaalada Somaliland) (Arabic: وزارة العدل) administers the court system (with the exception of the Supreme Court) and has the authority to hire court personnel, allocate funds, and train, discipline or dismiss judicial officers.[1][2] According to Articles 7 and 38 of the Organisation of the Judiciary Law, the ministry even compiles a panel of assessors on an annual basis for the regional courts. Additionally, the ministry is a member of the Judicial Commission.[3] The current minister is Mustafe Mohamoud Ali[4]
Responsibilities
More so, the objectives of the ministry are as follows per Article 105 of the Constitution:[5]
- Uphold and promote the rule of law in Somaliland;
- Respect and promote the separation of powers as contemplated in the Constitution, whilst taking into account the normal checks and balances of governmental branches;
- Promote and maintain an effective, efficient, transparent and accountable criminal justice system;
- Coordinate, facilitate and promote the general provision of and access to legal services in Somaliland;
- Take leadership in coordinating the progressive realization of rights and freedoms contemplated in the Constitution;
- Cooperate and support other role players, whilst respecting their specific mandates and, where applicable, their independence.
Somaliland portal
