MOGADISHU, Somalia 18 July, 2024 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) expresses concern about the recent violent threats against journalists in Jubbaland’s Dhobley town and the ongoing intimidation and pressure on journalists in Puntland. These incidents are part of the latest series of violations against press freedom in Somalia.
On 16 July, the Puntland Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Planning issued a joint press statement threatening to pursue criminal charges against freelance journalist Mohamed Salah in Garowe. The statement, seen by SJS, accuses the journalist of publishing “false and misleading information” regarding the suspension of registration for international and local NGOs in Puntland.
In his reporting, published on 13 July on his Facebook page with 700K followers, Mohamed Salah reported that “Puntland has stopped the registration of International and Local Organizations that work in aid and development.” He reported that this suspension has become a major obstacle to new projects and organizations, which rely on opportunities provided by development projects. The journalist’s reporting attributed the suspension to “a dispute between the Ministries of Planning and Finance, each of which wants to handle the registration process themselves”.
The ministries’ statement cited that they are seeking criminal charges against Mohamed Salah under the Somali Penal Code, specifically Article 371 (False Certification by a Person Performing a Service of Public Necessity) and Article 451 (Insult). They further stated that the journalist’s reporting “violated” Sharia Law and Article 6 of the Puntland Media Law. The ministries announced their decision to file a case with the relevant agencies including the Ministry of Information “for prosecuting and punishing the journalist”.
On 6 July, police officials in the Puntland-controlled north of Galkayo arrested journalist Said Abdullahi Kulmiye (Said Nadaara) following his social media reports that local police and gunmen stationed at checkpoints outside Galkayo were demanding additional taxes (extortion) from transporters on the Galkayo-Garowe road. Said Nadaara, who reports for the online portal Kasmaal Media and Universal TV, was detained at the police station that day after he was summoned by police. Fortunately, after SJS and local journalists broke the news of the journalist’s arrest on social media, Puntland leadership intervened and ordered Said Nadaara’s release. The journalist told SJS that he was freed without any charges.
Local journalists, however, told SJS that this arrest comes amid increasing pressure on journalists in Galkayo, with reports indicating that some authorities have threatened them with detention due to their reporting on regional events such as recurrent clan fighting, abduction of civilians and other violent activities in the region that affected local population.
On 14 May, four Jubbaland police officers attacked local journalists Sharma’arke Abdi Mahdi and Abdinur Hayi Hashi in Dhobley town. The incident, which occurred in the town center of the border town of Dhobley, involved one officer firing his pistol at the journalists, narrowly missing them, as confirmed by the journalists and police sources. The two reporters, who worked with Jubbaland State television and also contributed part-time to online media platforms, were apparently targeted due to their journalistic work, according to the journalists whom SJS had interviewed.
Local officials in Dhobley, who requested anonymity, indicated that the attack was related to a dispute between the Dhobley district administration and the journalists. Sharma’arke told the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) that they had previously covered issues unfavorable to the district commissioner, including the increased number of displaced people in the area who have complained about the lack of support from the authorities. After the intervention of Jubbaland State leadership, three of the policemen involved in the attack were arrested but were not charged. However, the fourth officer, who fired the pistol, remains at large and has not been arrested. As a result of this incident, journalist Sharma’arke Abdi Mahdi told SJS that he left Dhobley out of fear for his safety.
“In light of the recent attack on journalists in Dhobley, SJS is deeply concerned about the threats to press freedom and the safety of journalists in Somalia. The assault on Sharma’arke Abdi Mahdi and Abdinur Hayi Hashi is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who dare to report the truth in Somalia. We urgently call on Jubbaland State authorities to conduct a thorough and honest investigation into the 14th May incident to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and that such attacks do not occur in the future,” said SJS Secretary General, Abdalle Mumin.
“We also urge Puntland Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Planning officials to halt their pursuit of criminal charges against journalist Mohamed Salah. Journalism is not a crime, and efforts to silence the press through legal intimidation are unacceptable. Instead, officials of the two ministries, if any concern, should engage in constructive dialogue with the journalists and their associations to address any concerns and ensure that press freedom is upheld. In the midst of Puntland’s democratization progress, which is indeed commendable, we urge the Puntland State government to respect and protect the role of journalists in promoting transparency and accountability,” added Mr. Mumin.