Somalia's top court rejects president's term extension amid political crisis
The country's first nationwide elections since 1969 are due next year - a timetable now thrown into doubt.
Somalia's Supreme Court has ruled that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud unlawfully extended his term, escalating a political crisis and a standoff between the presidency and judiciary.
Thursday's ruling came a day after Mohamud dismissed Chief Justice Bashe Yusuf Ahmed - a move which the court said the president lacked the authority to take.
The court also ordered political leaders to agree on an electoral plan within 30 days and hold elections within 90 days, potentially disrupting government plans for nationwide polls next year.
Former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed welcomed the court ruling, saying "the country is facing a grave political crisis", calling on Mohamud to embrace a consensus-based approach.