MOGADISHU, Somalia 3 May 2026 – As the world marks World Press Freedom Day today, journalists and media outlets in Somalia are facing an increasingly volatile and restrictive environment, particularly as Somalia enters a critical period marked by political uncertainty and tensions surrounding upcoming elections.
Already operating under difficult conditions, media professionals in Somalia and Somaliland are confronting a surge in arbitrary arrests, threats, and intimidation by state authorities. This has created a climate of fear that undermines their ability to report freely and limits the public’s access to information—rights guaranteed under both Somalia and Somaliland constitutions.
Since January 2026, the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) has documented at least 18 violations against journalists, including the killing of a reporter in Kismayo. Local journalist Abshir Khalif Shidane was shot dead on 2 March 2026 by a Jubaland police officer, marking the first journalist killed in Somalia this year. A suspect has been arrested and remains in detention awaiting trial.
Other violations include restricted access to information, arbitrary arrests, threats, torture, confiscation of equipment, attacks on media houses, and kidnappings. Most cases have been reported in Mogadishu and Baidoa, where key electoral processes are expected to take place. Security forces—including police, intelligence, and special units—have intensified actions against journalists covering sensitive topics such as insecurity, forced evictions, land disputes, and political tensions.
Several journalists have been directly targeted. Mogadishu-based journalist Abdihafid Nor Barre was abducted twice this year, including one instance in which he was held in a military facility without charge. On 18 March 2026, two female journalists—Amiro Sulaiman Ibrahim (Kaab TV) and Iqro Abdullahi Abdirahman (Five Somali TV)—were violently arrested while reporting on forced evictions in Mogadishu. Iqro was beaten before being forced into a police vehicle.
The situation has further deteriorated with new censorship measures imposed by authorities. On 16 April, the Southwest State Minister of Security announced a ban on reporting insecurity, terrorist attacks, clan conflicts, and criticism of federal and regional officials. These restrictions come amid heightened tensions in Baidoa, where violence, political disputes, and attacks by Al-Shabaab have been reported.
In Mogadishu, on 15 April 2026, the Banadir Regional Police Commander warned journalists against discussing the “end of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s term” or criticizing recent constitutional amendments, threatening to label violators as “criminals.”
Journalists in other regions have also faced repression. In Laascaanood, Abdiqani Abdirahman Mohamed was arrested on 26 March for publishing an interview on political tensions and was later released after being forced to apologize. Another journalist, Abdirisaq Abdirahman (“Kobciye”), was detained in February and compelled to delete a video report.
SOMALILAND
In Somaliland, at least three journalists have been arrested since the start of the year. Ahmed Zaki Ibrahim, founder of Warrame Media, was detained in Hargeisa on 22 February and remains in custody. Abdiqaadir Mohamed known as “Ishqi” was arrested in Borama on 5 March and released days later. Mohamed Saleban Ahmed (“Suute”) was arrested in Erigabo on 4 March following a report on drought conditions and continues to face intimidation.
As the international community commemorates World Press Freedom Day, SJS expresses grave concern over the worsening safety and security of journalists in Somalia. The ongoing pattern of violations, censorship, and intimidation reflects a shrinking space for press freedom and raises serious concerns about further abuses, particularly in the lead-up to elections.
“On this World Press Freedom Day, we are witnessing a dangerous decline in press freedom across Somalia and Somaliland. Journalists are increasingly targeted for doing their job—reporting the truth—through arbitrary arrests, threats, and violence in awhile Somalia is going through uncertainty over the federal and regional elections,” said SJS Secretary General, Abdalle Mumin. “Even women journalists were not spared from violent attacks by the state security forces.”
“This growing repression, especially in the lead-up to elections, not only silences the media but also denies the public their fundamental right to information. Both authorities in Somalia and Somaliland must end these violations and uphold their constitutional obligations to protect freedom of expression,” added Mr. Mumin.