The election of the Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson and Secretary of the Somali Independent Human Rights Commission was held in Mogadishu, an election that was closely watched as it determined the direction and process that the commission would take over the next four years.
The election of the Chairperson was won by Dr. Maryan Qaasim Ahmed, after receiving five votes, while the rival candidate, Dr. Omar Cabdille Alasow, received four votes. The election went to a second round, which showed a tough competition and a heavy weight.
Also, Mohamed Haruun, one of the people with special needs and a member of the nine-member commission, was elected as the Deputy Chairperson of the National Independent Human Rights Commission, with no candidate competing for the position.
As for the Secretary, Fadumo Abdiqani Yusuf won the position of Secretary of the Commission, after receiving seven votes, while the other candidate, Ali Mohamed Elmi, received two votes.
The election was conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission, and was attended by parliamentarians, military officers, international observers, the media and other dignitaries, demonstrating the importance and weight of this national institution.
The election of the leadership of the commission was originally scheduled to take place last week, but was postponed due to technical challenges and intense political competition. However, voting officially began this morning, with candidates with significant weight in government institutions and the human rights system competing.
Dr. Maryan Qaasim Ahmed, a doctor specializing in Public Health, has over 30 years of experience, and has previously held ministerial positions including the Ministry of Health, Education, and Disaster Relief and Management in the Federal Government of Somalia.
The members of the National Independent Human Rights Commission, consisting of nine members, passed an examination conducted by the Ministry of Family and Human Rights Development of Somalia in May 2025, and were then approved by the Council of Ministers and the Parliament of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
