MOGADISHU, Somalia — July 16, 2026 —The Somali Chamber of Commerce has rejected a Federal Cabinet decision removing Chamber Chairman Gabeyre from office and appointing a new chairman, escalating an ongoing leadership dispute within one of the country’s leading private sector organizations.

In a statement issued after the Cabinet’s announcement, the Chamber said it does not recognize the government’s decision and maintained that Gabeyre remains the legitimate head of the institution. The Chamber argued that the appointment of its leadership falls under its internal governance procedures and cannot be altered through a Cabinet resolution.

The dispute emerged after Somalia’s Council of Ministers approved a decision removing Gabeyre from the leadership of the Somali Chamber of Commerce and naming a replacement.

The Chamber responded by publicly rejecting the decision, describing it as inconsistent with its governing rules and institutional independence.

Officials from the Federal Government had not released a detailed explanation for the Cabinet’s decision at the time of publication beyond the announcement approving the leadership change.

The disagreement leaves competing positions over the Chamber’s leadership, with the government recognizing the newly appointed chairman while the Chamber continues to recognize Gabeyre.

Who Is Involved?

The dispute involves the Federal Government of Somalia, represented by the Council of Ministers, and the Somali Chamber of Commerce, one of the country’s principal business organizations representing private sector interests.

Gabeyre, who has served as chairman of the Chamber, remains backed by the institution’s current leadership, according to the Chamber’s statement.

The Chamber plays a significant role in representing Somali businesses, engaging with government institutions, supporting trade and investment, and participating in policy discussions affecting the country’s economy.

Government Response

The Cabinet’s decision was announced following a meeting of the Council of Ministers.

While the resolution confirmed Gabeyre’s removal and the appointment of a new chairman, the government had not publicly provided detailed legal or administrative reasons for the leadership change by the time this report was published.

There has also been no public indication that the two sides have entered negotiations to resolve the dispute.

The latest development follows months of disagreements surrounding the governance of the Somali Chamber of Commerce.

Earlier in 2026, differences emerged between government officials and sections of the Chamber’s leadership regarding the institution’s administration, legal authority, and representation of Somalia’s private sector.

Those disagreements resulted in competing claims over the Chamber’s management and raised questions about the relationship between the government and independent business institutions.

Business groups have previously emphasized that chambers of commerce are intended to operate independently while cooperating with governments on economic policy, investment promotion, and commercial development.

The current dispute represents the latest chapter in those disagreements and has brought renewed attention to the legal framework governing professional and business organizations in Somalia.

What Happens Next

It remains unclear whether the Federal Government and the Chamber will seek legal or administrative avenues to settle the dispute.

If neither side changes its position, competing claims over the Chamber’s leadership could continue, potentially affecting official representation of the organization during government consultations, international business engagements, and meetings with development partners.

Observers will also be watching whether Somali courts or other relevant institutions become involved if the dispute moves into a legal process.

The Somali Chamber of Commerce serves as an important link between the private sector and government institutions. Leadership uncertainty could complicate coordination on trade, investment, taxation, and broader economic policy discussions.

The dispute also raises broader questions about the independence of professional and business organizations in Somalia. The outcome may influence how similar institutions are governed and how leadership disputes are handled in the future.

For businesses and investors, a prolonged disagreement could create uncertainty over which leadership is officially authorized to represent the Chamber in domestic and international engagements. A clear resolution would help provide certainty for both government agencies and the private sector.

The development comes as Somalia continues efforts to strengthen its economy, attract investment, and expand private sector participation, making the stability and credibility of key business institutions an important issue for economic governance.