Somalia, 28 October 2025 – Puntland’s President, Said Abdullahi Deni, has dissolved the Military and Serious Crimes Court following numerous complains of injustice and questionable judgements.
The presidential decree, issued on Tuesday, was based on Article 80 (Clause 19) and Article 87 of the Puntland Constitution, which grants the President authority to restructure judicial institutions and replace or dismiss certain officials when necessary.
In a statement, President Deni said the decision was prompted by repeated complaints of injustice levelled against the court as well as the need for institutional reform within the judiciary and the office of the military prosecutor.
The key provisions of the decree include:
The dismissal of all judges, prosecutors, and senior officials of the Military and Serious Crimes Court.
Referring serious criminal cases to the Appeals Courts of Puntland on a temporary basis until a new court is established.
Former judicial officers of the court are to return to their previous commands within the security forces.
The decree according to the Presidency takes immediate effect.
Although President Deni cited Articles 80 and 87 of the Puntland Constitution to justify his actions, these articles do not explicitly grant the President the power to dissolve courts; rather, they allow him to make appointments within the judiciary.
Some legal experts have argued that the President’s decision may require approval from the Judicial Service Commission or an additional legal procedure, depending on how his constitutional powers are interpreted under Puntland law.