MOGADISHU, Somalia 29 May 2026 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) condemns the unlawful arrest of journalist Khadar Mohamed Abdi, also known as Khadar Tarabi, by police in the Northeastern Regional Administration in Las Anod on 28 May 2026. His detention, reportedly linked to a Facebook post about a public visit by a Puntland minister to Kalabaydh town in the Sool region, represents a serious violation of press freedom and the right to report on matters of public interest.
On Thursday, 28 May 2026, police in the Northeastern Regional Administration in Las Anod unlawfully arrested journalist Khadar Tarabi, following a Facebook post about a visit by a Puntland minister to Kalabaydh town in the Sool region.
According to journalists and family members, Khadar was in Kalabaydh town for the Eid holidays. During his stay, Puntland’s Minister of Justice, Constitution, Religious Affairs and Reconciliation, Hon. Abdirashid Barkhadle Warsame, visited the town.
On Thursday, Khadar Tarabi posted on his Facebook page information about the minister’s visit, stating that the minister “had travelled to Kalabaydh District in the Sool region, where he celebrated Eid with the local community and held meetings with elders, intellectuals, religious scholars, and youth representatives.” The post added that “the minister reportedly encouraged residents to protect the environment, promote peace, and work collectively towards the district’s development and self-sufficiency.”
A colleague in Las Anod told SJS that Khadar was arrested in Kalabaydh on Thursday afternoon and taken to Las Anod, where he is currently being held without charge.
SJS has seen a photograph shared by Las Anod police showing the journalist handcuffed while in police custody.
In a statement, the police said they had “arrested Khadar Mohamed Tarabi in Kalabaydh district following a planned operation led by the Commander of Police Operations, Lt. Col. Abdirahman Mohamed Sirad.”
The police added that “Khadar is accused of involvement in activities that undermined security and disrupted public order in Kalabaydh district, posing a threat to the safety and stability of the local community.”
Since its formation in August 2025, the Northeastern State has faced opposition from both Puntland and Somaliland. Puntland officials have repeatedly stated that they do not recognize the Las Anod-based administration as a federal member state, despite its recognition by the Federal Government of Somalia. Somaliland authorities, meanwhile, continue to insist the area as part of their territory.
Officials from Puntland have repeatedly visited parts of the Sool and Sanaag regions, areas claimed by the Northeastern administration. Journalists reporting on these political disputes have frequently faced harassment, intimidation, and arrest.
Meanwhile, clashes erupted this week in a rural village in the Sool region between two clan militias over the settlement of a grazing area claimed by both communities. The fighting resulted in the deaths of two people, while militias burned houses built in the village of Madax Lagu Xoor, approximately 100 kilometers from Las Anod. Journalists in Las Anod told SJS that they have been prevented from independently reporting on the conflict and tensions in the area.
SJS calls for Khadar Tarabi’s immediate and unconditional release and urges authorities in Las Anod to respect journalists’ rights to carry out their professional duties without intimidation or retaliation.
“We strongly condemn the unlawful arrest and continued detention of journalist Khadar Mohamed Abdi, also known as Khadar Tarabi in Las Anod city since Thursday 28 May 2026. This is a clear violation of press freedom and the right to report on matters of public interest,” said SJS Secretary General, Abdalle Mumin.
“SJS calls on the authorities in the Northeastern Regional Administration in Las Anod to immediately and unconditionally release the journalist, stop false accusations against him, and ensure that journalists are allowed to carry out their work without intimidation, harassment, or fear of reprisal,” Mr. Mumin added.