MOGADISHU, Somalia, 19 December2024 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) and the Somali Media Women Association (SOMWA) strongly condemn the physical attack resulting injuries of female journalist Shukri Aabi Abdi and the detention of her cameraman, Ali Hassan Guure, by officers of the Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) in Mogadishu on Tuesday, 17 December 2024.
Shukri Aabi Abdi and her cameraman from Risaala Media Corporation were reporting on a public protest in the Daljirka area of Mogadishu when they were physically assaulted by the NISA officers. The officers grabbed Ali’s camera and briefly detained him before deleting all footage of the protest.
At the same time, three NISA officers assaulted Shukri, beating her and drawing their pistols. Shukri stated that she was dragged, her headscarf stripped off, kicked, and beaten with verbal threats in the middle of the street before a group of local women intervened to rescue her.
She sustained bruises to her arms and neck.
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Photos: Journalist Shukri Aabi Abdi sustained bruises to her arms and neck.
Photos: Journalist Shukri Aabi Abdi sustained bruises to her arms and neck.
Shukri was taken to the hospital for treatment, but the officers responsible for the attack have not been arrested and remain at large. Cameraman Ali Hassan Guure was later released after the footage on his camera was deleted.
SJS and SOMWA strongly condemn this physical attack and call for urgent action against the officers responsible for the assault on Shukri Aabi Abdi and Ali Hassan Guure. The perpetrators’ faces can be seen in a video recording obtained by SJS and SOMWA.
“We strongly condemn the brutal physical attack on our colleague journalist Shukri Aabi Abdi and her cameraman, Ali Hassan Guure, by officers of the NISA in Mogadishu on Tuesday. This attack on journalists is a direct violation of press freedom and human rights,” said SJS Secretary General, Abdalle Mumin “We demand immediate accountability for those responsible.”
“The attack on Shukri Aabi Abdi, a brave female journalist, is a direct assault on press freedom and the rights of women in Somalia. We condemn this attack in the strongest terms and demand immediate action against the perpetrators,” said SOMWA Executive Director, Maryan Seylac “This violent act is an alarming pattern of violence faced by women journalists in Somalia. The Somali government must prioritize the safety of journalists, especially women, and take decisive steps to ensure that those who target them are held accountable.”
SJS hosts a panel discussion on human rights in Garowe, Puntland, on 10 December 2024. | PHOTO/SJS.
GAROWE, Somalia 13 December 2024 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) commemorated Human Rights Day with an interactive panel discussion in Garowe, Puntland’s capital, focusing on pressing human rights challenges in Somalia.
The event, inaugurated by the Minister of Justice of Puntland, H.E. Mohamed Abdiwahab, brought together representatives from diverse sectors, including the Puntland Police, the Puntland Media Association (MAP), human rights defenders, Midnimo Women Network, and the Puntland Non-State Actors’ Association (PUNSA).
H.E. Mohamed Abdiwahab highlighted Puntland’s progress in advancing human rights through legislative reforms and institutional strengthening.
“Somalia has yet to fully learn from the violations of the past, such as killings and detentions that defied human rights principles. However, in Puntland, we have made significant strides. We have enacted human rights laws, implemented child protection legislation, and strengthened judicial institutions to safeguard citizens’ rights,” he stated.
Puntland police officer, Abdi Darwiish speaks during SJS panel discussion in Garowe, 10 December, 2024. | PHOTO/SJS.
Emphasizing democratic participation as a fundamental right, the minister added, “We have entrusted Puntland’s future to its citizens through elections, allowing them to exercise their voice and take part in decision-making. Puntland remains committed to defending and promoting human rights.”
Naimo Muse Elmi, Secretary of MAP, emphasized the pivotal role of the media in advocating for human rights.
“All people are equal; no one is superior in dignity or honor to another. The media has a duty to uphold this principle. I commend the Puntland media for their prominent role in defending human rights,” she remarked.
SJS panel brings together police and defenders in Puntland on 10 December, 2024. | PHOTO/SJS.
SJS Secretary of Information and Human Rights, Mohamed Bulbul, speaking at the panel stressed the importance of protecting journalists within the broader human rights context.
“Journalists in our country play a crucial role in defending human rights, and this contribution is visible. Society must recognize that defending journalists is equivalent to defending the public interest and all other rights,” he stated.
The panel also addressed the challenges faced by marginalized groups, particularly women, in Puntland. Ifrah Abdi Nur from Midnimo Women Network highlighted the severe underrepresentation of women in politics.
“The violations we face are numerous, but one of the most glaring issues is the lack of women’s participation in politics. For instance, there is only one woman in the current Puntland Parliament, which itself is a violation of equal representation in the government,” she said.
Said Mumin, from Puntland Human Rights Defenders, outlined persistent human rights abuses in the region.
A participant raises question during SJS panel discussion on human rights in Garowe, Puntland, 10 December 2024. | PHOTO/SJS.
“Violations such as sexual violence, torture, killings, and human trafficking remain prevalent. Citizens are often denied their basic rights, and addressing these issues requires collective action from both the government and society,” he explained.
Puntland police officer, Abdi Darwiish, reaffirmed to the panel that the government’s dedication to upholding human rights in Puntland.
“Puntland is not among the regions where gross violations occur rampantly. The rule of law and judicial processes are functional here. However, there remains much issues to address, especially in cases involving human rights abuses in Puntland,” he noted, “As the police in Puntland We are working to improve the situation of the human rights.”
Participants from various sectors of the society—including journalists, representatives of the internally displaced community, women’s groups, youth representatives, police, human rights activists, and business leaders—raised critical questions about the state of freedoms in Puntland.
SJS hosts a panel discussion on human rights in Garowe, Puntland, on 10 December 2024. | PHOTO/SJS.
Key issues discussed included arbitrary detentions of government critics, including journalists, the stigmatization of people living with HIV, lack of access to education for the displaced people, and discrimination against minority groups and women in employment opportunities.
SJS Secretary General Abdalle Mumin thanked the Puntland police and civil society members who participated in the panel discussion, which was also broadcast on local media, for their openness in addressing challenging questions from the public.
“I thank everyone who participated in the panel discussion. Indeed, when people come together and have the ability to discuss important issues affecting their community, it brings a sense of cohesion, unity, and healing. I hope the Puntland government will address the key issues raised during the discussion, and that we will see closer cooperation between the government and its people to improve the human rights situation,” Mr. Mumin added.
Participants from various sectors of society—including journalists, representatives of the IDP community, women’s groups, youth representatives, police, human rights activists, and business leaders—raised critical questions about the state of freedoms in Puntland. | PHOTO/SJS.
The event, supported by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), concluded with a call for strengthened collaboration among stakeholders to address human rights challenges, ensuring justice, equality, and dignity for all citizens in Puntland and Somalia.
Performers staged a Somali art play as part of the launch of the Baraarug campaign in Mogadishu on December 10, 2024. | PHOTO/SJS.
MOGADISHU, Somalia, 11 December 2024 – On December 10, 2024, the global observance of International Human Rights Day was marked by the official launch of the Baraarug digital campaign (#WakeUp) in Somalia. Baraarug is an initiative aimed at amplifying civic rights awareness and promoting freedom of expression, especially among youth and women.
The launch event, led by Minister of Security of the Somali Federal Government, Gen. Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail (Fartaag), signaled a critical step toward fostering inclusive civic engagement and addressing key human rights challenges in Somalia.
“Today, we are here for the launch of the Baraarug campaign. I thank the organizers of this campaign, which is intended as a wake-up call for human rights issues,” the minister said.
“Fellow brothers and sisters, and all the guests here, I want to speak a little bit about human rights, which are of huge importance in Islam. Islam has protected human rights, and our decent Somali culture guarantees these rights.”
The Minister of Security of the Somali Federal Government, General Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail (Fartaag), delivered the opening remarks at the launch of the Baraarug campaign in Mogadishu on December 10, 2024. | PHOTO/ SJS.
“This is especially important as we have a long-standing tradition of protecting vulnerable people, known as Barimageydo, during clan conflicts. We pledge to uphold human rights,” the minister added, emphasizing the need to address abuses affecting women, journalists, and minorities.
The Baraarug campaign, organized by the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) in collaboration with Somali civil society groups, seeks to leverage digital platforms and artistic expression to highlight barriers faced by Somali youth and women in exercising their civic rights.
The initiative aligns with the Dutch Human Rights Policy by focusing on civic awareness, freedom of expression, and gender equality—fundamental elements of democratic accountability and engagement.
Through its key activities, the digital campaign empowers youth and women with platforms to express their voices, raises awareness about civic rights, and mobilizes public and international solidarity.
The launch of the campaign featured diverse elements, including live cinema screenings, cultural performances, and an interactive panel discussion. Influencers, artists, and activists contributed to this dynamic dialogue, ensuring widespread reach and impact.
SJS Secretary General Abdalle Ahmed Mumin noted that the Baraarug campaign, which also includes the production of two radio podcasts every month, will address key issues affecting Somali citizens, with a special focus on women, youth, and freedom of expression in Somalia.
“I want to thank all my team members, our friends and partners from civil society, community leaders, minority groups, women, and youth for the incredible support and reception they have offered us since the beginning of this program. Our campaign is committed to amplifying the voices of youth and women in Somalia to promote awareness and understanding of civic rights and freedoms,” Mr. Mumin said.
The campaign’s hashtag, #Baraarug, energized online participation, encouraging citizens to share stories and advocate for change.
The Baraarug digital campaign highlights the transformative potential of digital and art-led approaches in addressing systemic challenges, such as limited access to civic spaces and security concerns.
Diini Mohamed Diini, the former chair of the Somali Non-State Actors among panelists during the launch of the Baraarug campaign in Mogadishu on December 10, 2024. | PHOTO/SJS.
By inspiring action and fostering dialogue, this initiative aims to promote a more inclusive and equitable society where the voices of all Somali citizens—especially youth and women—contribute to the nation’s progress and resilience.
The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Somalia remarked:
‘’Human rights are not just ‘nice to have’ – they are the basis of human wellbeing, equality, dignity and freedom. All around the world, even the most basic rights are under pressure due to conflict, climate change, and oppression. On Human Rights Day, we remember the vital importance of upholding human rights for all people, everywhere.”
The launch of the campaign featured diverse elements, including live cinema screenings, cultural performances. | PHOTO/SJS.
