At around 8:20pm on Friday, the Mobile Vehicle Checkpoint Unit — a special police unit trained by the U.S Government — together with members of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), raided a local restaurant in Mogadishu’s Buulo Xuubey Wadajir district, where they beat and abducted three journalists: Mohamed Ibrahim Osman (Bulbul), Abdihafid Nor Barre and Abdishakur Mohamed Mohamud. The three journalists were having dinner at the restaurant when the raid began.

The officers, whose faces were covered with masks, wore gloves and carried tactical rifles fitted with optical sights while NISA officers with pistols stood next to them. According to the journalists and other eyewitnesses, the officers forcibly entered the restaurant and began pointing their guns at the journalists and other members of the public inside the crowded venue.

The three journalists told SJS that they were beaten with pistols and kicked as they were escorted out of the restaurant. Abdihafid Nor Barre sustained a head injury that caused bleeding after officers struck him on the head with a pistol. He was taken away handcuffed in a vehicle. Abdihafid was also blindfolded with his shirt while bleeding from the head.

“I sustained heavy kicks and punches to my chest and kidneys. They also beat me with their pistols and hit my kidneys. I am feeling immense pain,” Bulbul told SJS on Saturday morning.

“I was hit with a pistol by a NISA officer while two officers of the Mobile Vehicle Checkpoint Unit were pointing their guns at me with flashlights directed into my eyes. I became dizzy and could not see anything. I started shouting loudly so that people nearby could hear me, but they intensified the beating until I lost consciousness,” Abdihafid told SJS. “When I woke up, I was in their car, blindfolded and handcuffed, with my chest facing the ground.”

Abdishakur Mohamed Mohamud told SJS that, prior to the raid, their media office had received threats because of their reporting on forced evictions as well as the planned opposition protests in Mogadishu.

All three journalists were transported first to Hodan District Police Station in the city centre before being moved to Yaaqshiid District Police Station in the north of the city. There, the the Mobile Vehicle Checkpoint Unit and NISA officers who led the operation questioned them about what they were doing at the restaurant and confiscated their phones. The officers then began interrogating Mohamed Bulbul about a recent article published by The Guardian exposing violations against Sadia Moalim Ali, a young woman activist imprisoned in Mogadishu since 12 April for a peaceful protest.

Shortly before midnight, the journalists were transferred to the Banadir Regional Police Command near the NISA headquarters on the east of Mogadishu. At the police headquarters, the three journalists said they were presented to Mogadishu Police Chief Mahdi Omar Mumin, known as Moalim Mahdi, who threatened them “with death if they continued reporting on the opposition protests” scheduled for Sunday, 10 May.

Moalim Mahdi, a former Al-Shabaab terror group defector who previously involved in multiple attacks against journalists, also questioned Mohamed Bulbul about the recent piece with The Guardian concerning Sadia Moalim Ali which Bulbul co-reported.

“Moalim Mahdi asked me how I got the contacts and why I was interested in the case of Sadia Moalim Ali. I told him that it was my journalistic duty to do that and that Sadia is an innocent citizen that deserves advocacy,’ Mohamed Bulbul told SJS.

The journalists said that Moalim Mahdi told them he was “tired of arresting journalists” and that if they did not remain silent about the protests and other developments in Mogadishu, including the case of Sadia Moalin Ali, the only option remaining for them would be “death.”

While at the police headquarters, officers removed Abdihafid’s bloodstained clothes on the orders of Moalim Mahdi and instructed him to remain silent about the injuries he had sustained. Around midnight, the three journalists were released. Abdihafid Nor Barre and Mohamed Bulbul were later taken to a local hospital by colleagues.

Sources at the restaurant that came under the raid also told SJS that at least six other young Mogadishu residents active in political campaigns were also arrested and severely beaten, according to the journalists who saw them in custody. One of those detained is a young woman. All remain in detention as of Saturday morning.

When SJS contacted the commander of the Mobile Vehicle Checkpoint Unit, he declined to comment on last night’s raid.

“We express grave concern as we unequivocally condemn the continued misuse of internationally-funded security assistance in Somalia, including U.S-trained counter-terrorism units known as the Mobile Vehicle Checkpoint Unit in Mogadishu against our journalists and youth activists. The abduction of Mohamed Ibrahim Bulbul, Abdihafid Nor Barre and Abdishakur Mohamed Mohamud is a direct assault on press freedom and civic space in Mogadishu,” said SJS Secretary General, Abdalle Mumin.

“We call for an urgent, independent, and transparent investigation into the kidnappings, beatings, and threats against the three colleagues by the Mobile Vehicle Checkpoint Unit and NISA in Mogadishu, as we also urge accountability for all those responsible, regardless of rank or position,” added Mr. Mumin.

In a single day, at least five local journalists were arrested and had their equipment confiscated, placing immense pressure on journalists working in Mogadishu.

On 6 May 2026, armed police officers in Mogadishu’s Hamar Jajab District arrested Shukri Aabi Abdi and her cameraman Abdullahi Abdifatah Sidow of Shabelle TV while they were reporting from the scene of forced evictions. Shukri told SJS that the officers assaulted her, injured her finger, and confiscated her phone. The officers also seized the journalists’ camera equipment before taking them to the Hamar Jajab police station.

The two journalists were released later that afternoon without charge.

On the same day, armed police arrested two journalists — Ja’far Mohamed Jim’ale and cameraman Nur Hasan Ali of Kalsan TV— in Mogadishu while they were reporting from the site of another forced eviction taking place in the Warlaliska neighborhood of Dayniile District, north of Mogadishu. According to colleagues at Kalsan TV, the two journalists remain in detention and their whereabouts are unknown.

Armed clashes continued in the Warlaliska area that afternoon, resulting in the deaths of at least two local residents where forced evictions had intensified, according to media reports, while several others were injured, causing displacement among already vulnerable communities.

In the Hamar Jajab neighborhood, media reports indicated that women, children, and other vulnerable individuals were among those affected by the forced evictions carried out by armed police, which reportedly involved the use of live bullets to intimidate residents resisting the evictions. Just days ago, at least three civilians were killed in the same area as armed police conducted forced evictions.

On the evening of Wednesday, 6 May, armed police officers manning a security checkpoint on the Mogadishu airport road stopped and arrested Rowda Taakilo, a woman reporter working for the Goobjoog TV while she was walking on the street. Rowda told SJS that the officers confiscated her phone and forced her to hand over her passwords before transferring her to the Hodan police station, where she was held overnight.

She was released on Thursday morning, 7 May, without charge.

SJS is concerned that attacks on journalists covering forced evictions and police violence are increasing. It is particularly alarming that women journalists, especially field reporters covering the ongoing evictions, are facing escalating threats and attacks.

“We strongly condemn the arrests, intimidation, and confiscation of equipment targeting journalists covering forced evictions in Mogadishu. These actions represent a serious violation of press freedom and must end immediately,” said SJS Secretary General, Abdalle Mumin, “We also call for the immediate and unconditional release of the two Kalsan TV journalists – Ja’far Mohamed Jim’ale and cameraman Nur Hasan Ali – who remain in detention and whose whereabouts are currently unknown, and urge authorities to ensure their safety.”

“We further call on the authorities to cease all attacks, harassment, and intimidation against journalists and allow the media to carry out their work freely and without fear,” added Mr. Mumin.

In April, SJS launched the Youth Media Innovation Challenge under its Baraarug initiative, inviting submissions from young journalists across Somalia. The goal was to encourage youth creativity, provide a platform for young people to express their ideas, share their stories, and serve as a voice for their communities—particularly women and those who are often unheard.

Over a period of two weeks, the challenge received more than 20 applications and video submissions from different parts of the country. Women made up 30 percent of the participants. All entrants were young people competing through video production and storytelling, focusing on themes such as freedom of expression, youth issues, and women’s rights.

Following careful evaluation by a judging panel, the most impactful, creative, and deserving entries were selected for recognition. On World Press Freedom Day, SJS awarded four winners with cash prizes and honorary certificates in recognition of their work.

The winners are:

Position 1: Mohamed Jeilani Abukar (Mogadishu):  Mohamed’s story highlights Mogadishu’s only all-women newsroom, Bilan Media, and the daily challenges faced by women reporters and camera operators. It sheds light on the additional barriers they navigate in a conservative environment with significant restrictions on women. Watch Mohamed’s story on YouTube.

Position 2: Anisa Abdiasis Hussein (Mogadishu): Anisa, a journalist from a marginalized community, has previously experienced targeted attacks against media workers. Her story, “Why Telling the Truth is Dangerous?”, captures the lived reality of journalists in Mogadishu, highlighting risks such as arbitrary arrests, threats, and confiscation of equipment. Watch Anisa’s story on YouTube.

Position 3: Abdulkadir Yasin Abdulle (Galkayo, Central Somalia): Abdulkadir’s story, “The Clan Identity Trap: How Somali Women are Silenced,” amplifies the voices of women and youth, focusing on Somali women caught between their father’s and husband’s clan identities. This reality often limits their rights, including political participation and access to opportunities. Watch Abdulkadir’s story on YouTube.

Special Mention: Ismail Mohamed Sayidali: Ismail’s story highlights marriage discrimination faced by people with disabilities in Somalia.

“I was not expecting to come out on top because of the many participants. However, I did my best and carefully thought about how to present my story creatively, focusing on an important issue—women in the media and their rights. I am thankful to SJS. This has given me the motivation to produce more videos and continue advocating for human rights,” said Mohamed Jeilani Abukar.”

Second-place winner Anisa Abdiaziz Hussein said gathering material for her story took several days and came with challenges, but encouragement from colleagues helped her persist. She added: “I would like to encourage SJS to make this contest an annual event so that more young journalists can participate and build a strong profession. When there is competition, everyone strives to do their best, and that helps develop the careers of young journalists and content creators.”

SJS President, Mohamed Ibrahim congratulated the winners stating that: “On World Press Freedom Day, SJS is pleased to recognize both the courage and the resilience of young journalists and content creators working under extremely difficult conditions. Despite rising threats, arbitrary arrests, and intimidation, they continue to serve the public with professionalism and determination. Through initiatives like the Baraarug Youth Media Innovation Challenge, SJS remains committed to supporting young journalists, amplifying the voices of women and the youth, and defending the fundamental right to freedom of expression.”

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.

On 16 April, following a meeting of the cabinet of ministers of Southwest State in Baidoa, Mohamed Hussein Hassan, known as “John”, the Minister of Security for the Southwest State, announced new measures banning “the reporting of insecurity, terrorist attacks, clan conflicts, and clan-based meetings”. The announcement also prohibited criticism of both federal and Southwest State officials on social media.

The new measures were introduced at a time of heightened tensions in Baidoa, where residents and media have reported repeated clan revenge killings and armed robberies in the city. Local clans and militia have also expressed dissatisfaction with the reported electoral process for the leadership of the Southwest State following the federal government’s takeover in late March. Media also reported Al-Shabaab attacks on Baidoa and outskirts in the past weeks.

On 15 April, the Banadir Regional Police Commander, Mahdi Omar Mumin, known as Moalin Mahdi, warned that journalists and critics who discuss the end of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s term by 15 May would be labelled as “criminals.” He cautioned local media against broadcasting views that oppose the disputed constitutional amendments passed by a section of Somalia’s parliament in late March. Speaking at an event held at the Jazeera Hotel in Mogadishu that day, Moalin Mahdi also warned individual journalists for publishing a video clip exposing police abuses and violations against journalists in Mogadishu.

Moalin Mahdi, who has been responsible for numerous attacks on journalists, is a former militant member who now heads Mogadishu’s police force.

On 12 April, the Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) arrested a local woman activist, Sadia Moalin Ali, who had spoken critically about youth unemployment, rising fuel prices, and taxation imposed on Mogadishu’s tuk-tuk drivers—issues that had sparked repeated protests in the city in March.

Against the backdrop of a deepening political transition, Somalia faces growing uncertainty as the term of parliament ended on 14 April and the president’s mandate is set to expire on 15 May. This unfolding crisis has heightened public anxiety in Mogadishu, where concerns over governance, constitutional disputes, and security are increasingly pronounced. In such a volatile environment, journalists play a critical role in keeping the public informed; however, the escalating threats and restrictions risk further undermining the safety of media professionals and silencing essential reporting at a crucial moment for the country.

“We strongly condemn the escalating threats, intimidation, and unlawful restrictions imposed on journalists and media outlets in Mogadishu and Baidoa. These actions represent a blatant attack on press freedom and are clearly intended to silence independent reporting at a critical moment in Somalia’s political transition,” said SJS Secretary General, Abdalle Mumin.

“SJS calls on all authorities—federal, regional, and security agencies—to immediately cease threats against journalists and to guarantee their safety and protection. We urge all sides to respect freedom of expression and the role of the media, including journalists reporting on the end of institutional mandates, the ongoing political crisis, and the deteriorating security situation. A free and independent media is essential to ensuring transparency and informing the public during this sensitive period,” Mr. Mumin added.

On 4 March 2026, police in Erigabo arrested local journalist Mohamed Saleban Ahmed, known as Suute, following the publication of a news report on 3 February that discussed drought conditions in the Sool and Sanaag regions. Suute told SJS that he was released without charge after spending two days in police custody.

On 15 March, the Sanaag Regional Prosecutor of Somaliland, based in Erigabo, issued a charge sheet against the journalist, accusing him of “spreading false information.” On 18 March, the Erigabo District Court summoned the journalist to appear for a hearing in the case brought by the regional prosecutor. According to the charge sheet, which SJS had seen, the Somaliland government is listed as the “victim.”

The journalist’s report, which SJS reviewed, included interviews with rural communities who said they had not received aid despite being severely affected by the ongoing drought.

Suute told SJS that the Deputy Governor of the Sanaag region, Salah Yusuf Diriye, was pushing the case, alleging that local authorities were unhappy with the report and were attempting to silence public complaints about lack of aid. Deputy Governor Diriye was not reachable for comment upon publication of this report.

A local lawyer representing the journalist told SJS that the case has been heard twice, but no verdict has yet been issued.

In July last year, Somaliland declared a national emergency as drought affected four regions, including Sanaag, whose capital is Erigabo. President Abdirahman Abdillahi Irro made an urgent appeal to international donors and Somalilanders at home and abroad to support relief efforts aimed at saving lives and livelihoods.

According to an August 2025 report by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, more than 650,000 people were directly affected in Somaliland alone. Aid groups’ reports indicate that over 80% of rural households have been impacted by water shortages and agricultural losses in recent years.

Suute told SJS that he and other reporters visited numerous rural towns, witnessing the severe conditions firsthand, which he documented in his reporting.

SJS calls on the Somaliland authorities, particularly the Erigabo prosecutor, to stop targeting journalist Suute for reporting on and advocating for drought-affected communities. Authorities must respect journalists’ right to report on drought and climate-induced crises and ensure unhindered access to information to help save lives.

“The prosecution of journalist Mohamed Saleebaan Ahmed, known as Suute, for reporting on the devastating drought in Sool and Sanaag regions is both unjustified and deeply concerning. Journalists must not be punished for giving voice to voiceless communities in crisis,” said SJS Secretary General, Abdalle Mumin.

“We call on the Sanaag Regional Prosecutor to immediately drop these unfounded charges and urge Somaliland authorities to guarantee all journalists the freedom to report on climate-induced crises without fear, interference, or restriction,” Mr. Mumin adds.

According to government officials and media executives briefed on the matter, the cabinet meeting discussed specific measures against several media stations and journalists deemed critical of the government — all of them based in Mogadishu. As a result, several media houses whose names were raised during that meeting have contacted SJS to report threats now emanating from senior officials.

The day after the cabinet meeting, on Friday, 3 April, the Deputy Minister of Information, Abdirahman Yusuf Omar — known as Al Adaala — published a threatening post on his Facebook page. The post titled “Warning and clarification” labelled unnamed journalists and media institutions “of being opposition politicians using the media as a cover” and warning the public to be vigilant. This public threat by a sitting deputy minister, who has a history of orchestrating attacks on independent media and individual journalists, constitutes a direct assault on press freedom. It is incompatible with Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which guarantees the right to freedom of opinion and expression, as well as Article 18 of the Federal Constitution of Somalia, which enshrines freedom of expression and of the press.

The threat sent shockwaves through newsrooms and journalist communities in Mogadishu. A local television director informed SJS that the post — published the day after the reported cabinet meeting — caused his staff to fear for their personal safety.

On 2 April, journalist Abdihafid Nor Barre — who reports for Somali Cable TV — was kidnapped by officers from the Somali Police Force and the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) and held in detention for seven days. His detention arose from a Facebook post in which he quoted South West State authorities stating: that “militias who had attacked the city of Baidoa had been defeated”. He was released on Wednesday, 8 April without charge. Colleagues told SJS that Abdihafid was forced to sign “an apology letter” before his release and was later made to post an apology on his Facebook page under the orders of Al Adaala.

Following the reported cabinet meeting, Somalia’s Minister of Justice, Hassan Sheikh Ali — who holds dual Somali-British nationality — summoned a group of journalists in Mogadishu for a meeting that was ostensibly convened to discuss the arrest of journalist Abdihafid Nor Barre. Three journalists present at the meeting told SJS that Minister Hassan Sheikh Ali warned journalists and members of the public — including tuk-tuk (bajaj) drivers — that they would be “crushed” if they continued to report criticism of the government.

In preceding weeks, Mogadishu had witnessed tuk-tuk drivers — the city’s primary taxi service providers — protesting against rising fuel prices, with several, including one woman, subsequently arrested by police. The Minister specifically warned journalists against conducting vox pop street interviews that present criticism of the government, the journalists who attended the meeting confirmed to SJS.

Such threats by a senior government minister against journalists and ordinary citizens exercising their right to peaceful protest violate the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association guaranteed under the Somali constitution and the UDHR.

An editor working with an online platform whose name was mentioned during the cabinet meeting told SJS that, since the threats were issued, his outlet had begun reducing the number of staff present in their offices at any given time — a direct consequence of the climate of fear created by government officials.

SJS has also learned that, on the night of 2 April — hours after the cabinet meeting concluded — photographs of two prominent journalists in Mogadishu were shared in a Mogadishu Police WhatsApp group, accompanied by instructions to arrest them. Furthermore, two members of the Somali National Intelligence Service made a death threat against one of the two journalists.

On 9 April 2026, police officers from the Hawlwadag District in Mogadishu fired live ammunition at four journalists who were covering an anti-forced evictions protest by a group of women and children at the Ceel Hindi neighbourhood in Hawlwadag District. None of the journalists were physically harmed, as they fled the scene.

SJS considers any threat against the journalist community — including death threats — to be gravely serious. We have advised journalists, editors, and media managers to remain vigilant, exercise caution, and be mindful of their security and safety. We wish to remind the Somali Prime Minister and his Cabinet that critical journalism is a constitutional right, and that journalists who give voice to communities whose rights have been violated are not enemies — they are heroes of this country.

Mogadishu has witnessed a number of street protests in recent weeks, primarily by community members demonstrating against forced evictions, land grabbing, and rising fuel prices. These are legitimate causes for public protest under Article 20 of the UDHR and Article 20 of the Federal Constitution of Somalia. The government must cease targeting journalists and community members who amplify these voices. Instead, it must listen and provide solutions to end forced evictions and reduce fuel prices.

“The Somali Cabinet of Ministers must understand that threatening journalists with arrest, kidnapping, and death is a criminal act. They must stop now. These are legitimate protests by community members standing against forced evictions, land grabbing, and unjust fuel prices. The government must stop targeting journalists and community members who are giving voice to their communities, and instead listen and find solutions,” said Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, Secretary General of the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS).

“We praise the brave Somali journalists who, despite these threats, continue to stand firm in defence of basic human rights. I wish to reiterate once more: SJS stands with you, as we have always done,” Mr. Mumin added.

SJS urges the international community to closely monitor the situation facing Somali journalists and human rights defenders, including women activists who are subjected to ongoing and relentless threats. Silence in the face of these violations is complicity. The protection of journalists and press freedom is not only a domestic obligation under the Federal Constitution of Somalia, but an international obligation under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

In a press conference early on Monday 6 April 2026, the police chief, Khadar Mohamed Farah, apologised to the detained journalist Abdiqani Abdirahman Mohamed for the use of chains on the leg of the journalist while held at the police station — a practice that constitutes cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment in breach of the Somalia Provisional Constitution and a violation of Article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) which prohibits “torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment”.

He announced that several police officers, including the commander of the Farxaskule police station in Las Anood — where the journalist had been detained — have been suspended from duty.

The Sool Regional Police Chief Khadar Mohamed Farah stated: “We hereby apologize to the people of the Northeastern region, and especially to him [the journalist], who is accused, whose image — showing him shackled at the leg — was shared on social media. As soon as the image appeared on social media, the police forces, led by the Police Commissioner and all other officers, immediately launched an investigation into how the image was released. At the orders of the Police Commissioner, prompt action was taken. The officers stationed at the Farxaskule police station [Las Anod] were suspended from duty and referred for investigation. The station commander, along with all personnel present at the scene, are currently under investigation.”

Abdiqani was arrested on 26 March after publishing an interview with former presidential adviser to the Northeastern State, Abdirisak Mohamed Warsame, who stated that “federal government officials are seeking to recruit forces from Las Anod to be sent to fight in Baidoa, Southwest State”. The former adviser was also arrested, police said on 26 March. On 28 March, the journalist was transferred to the Las Anod main prison, known as Goojacadde Prison, where he is currently held.

SJS notes the Las Anod police’s swift response to suspend the officers who chained the journalist and the investigation launched. However, SJS reiterates to the police and authorities in the Northeastern region that the journalist must be immediately and unconditionally freed without further delay, and that all charges and accusations regarding his journalism must be dropped.

“Journalist Abdiqani Abdirahman Mohamed did nothing wrong. He was arrested for conducting an interview with a local politician which is in the interest of the public. His continued detention constitutes a violation of the Somali Provisional Constitution and Article 9 of the UDHR, which prohibits arbitrary arrest and detention, and of Article 19 of the UDHR, which guarantees the right to freedom of opinion and expression, including the freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media,” said SJS Secretary General, Abdalle Mumin.

“We call on the authorities in Las Anod to immediately stop all charges against him, release him without any further delay, and cease all legal threats against him and his fellow journalists,” Mr. Mumin added.

On Thursday, 26 March, police officers in Laascaanood arrested Abdiqani Abdirahman Mohamed, who reports for Dhulmar Media, an online news channel covering the northeastern regions, following his publication of an interview with a former adviser to the Northeastern State leader, who warned that “the Somali Federal Government is pushing clan militias and forces in Laascaanood to be deployed to Southwest State” — where federal government forces and Southwest State authorities are mobilising against each other amid rising tensions over elections, risking internal conflict.

The official, Abdirisak Mohamed Warsame, stated that federal government officials are seeking to recruit forces from Laascaanood to be sent to fight in Baidabo, the seat of Southwest State. He added that the “federal government does not have the right to use local forces to engage in an internal conflict” in Southwest State. The former adviser was also arrested, police said on 26 March.

According to the journalist’s family, and corroborated by photos obtained by SJS, the journalist was initially held at the Laascaanood central police station with his legs chained.

On 28 March, without a lawyer and without the knowledge of his family, Abdiqani was transferred to the main prison known as Goojacadde Prison, on the outskirts of the city of Laascaanood.

A court letter issued by the First Instance Court of Sool Region, which SJS has seen, indicates that the Northeastern State attorney accused both journalist Abdiqani Abdirahman Mohamed and Abdirizak Mohamed Warsame of five charges, namely: Article 215 (Propaganda against the country); Article 219 (Destabilising the nation or the state); Article 220 (Defaming the reputation of state institutions); Article 231 (Inciting the public to commit crimes); and Article 328 (Publishing or spreading false information that disrupts public order). All are vague charges under the Somali Penal Code, often used by both the Somali Federal Government and its regional states against journalists and critics.

A local lawyer who spoke to SJS, however, indicated that the court letter lacks the legal proceedings required for a charge sheet, and that the letter — though signed by Sheikh Ali Aden Dalmar, Chairman of the First Instance Court of the Sool Region — failed to clarify the nature of the charges and how they were applied against both the journalist and the politician he interviewed.

Laascaanood police did not reply to SJS calls seeking clarification.

A member of Abdiqani’s family told SJS that his wife, who recently gave birth, has been forced to bring food to him, as prison officials said they cannot provide food to Abdiqani.

According to his family and a colleague who SJS interviewed, Abdiqani is complaining of leg pain due to a pre-existing condition.

SJS is concerned that the detention of Abdiqani Abdirahman Mohamed on false and politically motivated charges sends a deeply troubling message to journalists across Laascaanood as this will enable towards self-censorship of the local reporters, deterring sources and whistleblowers from speaking to the media. At a time when Somalia already struggles with press freedom, cases like this will further normalise the use of vague penal code provisions as weapons against critical reporting,  entrench a culture of impunity, erode editorial independence, and threaten to silence the independent voices that communities rely on to hold power to account.

“The arrest and continued detention of Abdiqani Abdirahman Mohamed in the Goojacadde prison in Laascaanood is a blatant attack on press freedom and an attempt to silence independent reporting in Laascaanood. The charges brought against him are false, legally baseless, and politically motivated. Abdiqani did nothing more than report a newsworthy interview in the public interest — that is not a crime,” said SJS Secretary General, Abdalle Mumin.

“We call on the authorities in Laascaanood to immediately stop all charges against him, release him without any further delay, and cease all legal threats against him and his fellow journalists,” Mr. Mumin added.

On Tuesday, 31 March, a group of 20 journalists from local and regional media were blocked and denied access to the presidential palace, Baidoa, following the arrival of Aden Mohamed Nur, also known as Sheikh Aden Madobe, Speaker of the Somali Lower House of Parliament. Journalists told SJS that security guards attached to Speaker Madobe prevented them from entering the palace and covering ongoing meetings. This occurred a day after the South West State leadership, including President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen, left the city for Nairobi, Kenya, as the city was taken over by federal forces and allied clan militias.

Journalists who initially went to Shaati Gaduud Airport in Baidoa said they were able to capture videos and photos of Speaker Aden Madobe’s arrival but were denied access to the palace by security guards without explanation, effectively blocking the media from obtaining information crucial for their reporting.

Journalists also reported worrying developments, including incidents of gunfire in the city and the alleged killings by gunmen in what some described as clan-related revenge. There were also reports of looting in certain areas of the city by militias, according to journalists and NGOs in Baidoa.

SJS interviewed two journalists who previously worked in Baidoa; they said they left the city due to fear of retaliation linked to their clan identity.

On Monday, 30 March, Baidoa fell to Somali federal government forces and allied clan militias after days of violent clashes on the city outskirts. Local NGO representatives told SJS that mass displacement occurred before and during the clashes, though some residents have begun returning. On 1 April, the Prime Minister of the Somali Federal Government, Hamsa Abdi Barre, issued a decree appointing his deputy, Jibril Abdirashid Haji Abdi, as “Acting Leader” of the South West State.

On Thursday, 2 April, media reported a brief gunfight erupted at the Baidoa municipal office, where a clan militia and its commander reportedly captured the facility, prompting another group of militias to attack. Journalists nearby told SJS that several people were killed and injured, causing fear in the local community.

On the morning of Friday, 3 April, a group of 10 journalists were again denied access to Shaati Gaduud Airport, where clan elders from the Digil and Mirifle clans were arriving. Two journalists affected told SJS that, upon arrival at the airport entrance, heavily armed officers from the Gaashaan Force—a unit now attached to Somali National Intelligence and the Office of the President—threatened them at gunpoint and instructed them to leave. “No journalist is allowed to enter the airport,” one reporter told SJS.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was also reported to have arrived in Baidoa on Friday.

SJS calls on Somali government forces and allied militias in Baidoa, South West State, to allow journalists to report independently on developments in the city—including political and security matters—following the recent change in administration, and to immediately cease threats and denial of access that target independent journalists, many of whom work for local media, as they strive to keep the public informed about events in the region.

“We express deep concern over these incidents. We call for all actors involved in the political and security developments in Baidoa to ensure unhindered access for journalists and the media community,” said SJS Secretary General, Abdalle Mumin.

“Journalists often risk their lives to keep the public informed, and it is unacceptable that their work continues to be obstructed and their access denied, especially during events of significant public interest,” added Mr. Mumin.