MOGADISHU, Somalia 10 February 2025 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) strongly condemns the harassment, obstruction of access to information, and threats against journalists covering security and other public interest matters in Mogadishu. SJS calls for an immediate investigation into the actions of Somalia’s Deputy Minister of Information, Abdirahman Yusuf Omar Al-Adaala.
On Saturday, February 8, 2025, journalists from a dozen of media houses were invited to cover a joint press conference featuring Minister of Security General Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail Fartaag, Minister of Religious Affairs Mukhtar Robow Ali, and Attorney General Sulayman Mohamoud. During the briefing, RTN TV journalist Mohamed Abduqadir Hajir raised critical questions regarding the closure of major business hubs in Mogadishu due to escalating insecurity and alleged ‘extortion’, a concern publicly raised by the business community in a 7 February communiqué. This widespread market closure had paralyzed economic activity in the capital.
When RTN TV journalist Hajir directed his questions to the Minister of Security, Deputy Minister Al-Adaala interrupted with harassment and humiliation telling him publicly “to stop” and that he “should not ask such questions”. Shortly afterward, a security officer stepped forward, removed journalists’ microphones from the podium, and cut off the recording.
This incident follows a pattern of intimidation against the same RTN TV journalist. Late January, Hajir and his team were harassed and threatened with detention after interviewing a police officer who spoke out about the demolition of his family’s home and his inability to relocate due to unpaid salaries. The police officer was among thousands of vulnerable residents at the ex-Carwada Qaranka site, Mogadishu, who were forcibly evicted by the government in collaboration with Premier Bank.
As a result of these threats, RTN TV was forced to delete the interview, although it was later republished by other platforms.
Similarly, Radio Risaala’s management informed SJS that their journalists have faced continuous threats and bans from public offices by Abdirahman Al-Adaala, who has abused his authority as Deputy Minister of Information. The Ministry of Information even refused to renew Radio Risaala’s registration, forcing the station to seek registration from another government ministry.
Additionally, the Somali Media Association, which represents 33 independent media houses nationwide, reported that Al-Adaala has targeted them with similar restrictions.
On 3 December, 2024, under Al-Adaala’s orders, the Director General of the Ministry of Information, Abdullahi Hayir Duale, mandated that all journalists working for international media outlets register with the ministry. This directive, framed as a “safety and security procedure,” was rejected by SJS and its members as a direct threat to independent journalists covering public interest issues, including security operations, human rights and corruption.
The repression of journalists under Al-Adaala’s leadership has extended to state media reporters as well. In April 2024, state media journalist and presenter Sugaal Moalim Mohamud was suspended, and his salary was halted in retaliation for his reporting on mismanagement and corruption within the Ministry of Defense. Sources within the ministry confirmed to SJS that the decision, carried out by Director General Duale, was ordered by Al-Adaala.
Similarly, in July 2024, state media journalist Abdulkadir Isse Ali was dismissed, blocked from accessing the state media, and had his salary cut after publishing a report exposing alleged fraud and corruption involving Al-Adaala. Days later, his Facebook account was restricted under a copyright claim, prompting SJS to intervene. Both Sugaal and Abdulkadir have previously received threats from Al-Shabaab due to their roles in state media, and their dismissal further endangered their safety.
The crackdown on press freedom is not new. In October 2022, officers from the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) raided the SJS office in Mogadishu and abducted SJS Secretary General Abdalle Mumin. This attack came after Al-Adaala issued a directive aimed at restricting media freedom, prompting SJS and four other press freedom organizations to voice their concerns, despite Al-Adaala threatening to target SJS in a phone call to the SJS leadership on the same day.
Since 2022, SJS has continued to recognize Abdirahman Al-Adaala as the worst violators of press freedom in Somalia, citing his ongoing threats, intimidation, and attacks, and calls for immediate accountability for his actions.
In July 2019, two non-profit media organizations had their names published online by the state media following a letter signed by Al-Adaala, accusing the institutions for “violating the national plan, public culture, religious and customs”.” This accusation of “violating religious customs” was enough to endanger the local staff of both organizations in Somalia. The two organizations later told SJS that they were forced to pay bribes to Abdirahman Al-Adaala, who was then acting director general of the Ministry of Information, in order to continue operating, despite being legally registered and the accusations being false. Eight days later, the Ministry of Information published another directive announcing its approval for the two organizations.
“We strongly condemn the actions of Somalia’s Deputy Minister of Information, Abdirahman Al-Adaala, and his ongoing efforts to stifle press freedom in the country. These continued attacks are not only a violation of journalists’ rights but also an affront to the truth and the public’s right to know. Al-Adaala’s actions are endangering the security of already vulnerable journalists and their families. We call for immediate accountability and demand that Al-Adaala be held responsible for his threats and actions against the media,” said SJS President Mohamed Ibrahim
“The Somali government must ensure that those who target journalists, like Al-Adaala, are held accountable, and the rights of the press are protected at all costs. We also call on the international community to hold Al-Adaala accountable and to support efforts to safeguard media freedom and human rights in Somalia,” added Mr. Ibrahim