SJS Secretary-General, Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, stands outside the Banadir Regional Court on January 4, 2023. | PHOTO/SJS.
MOGADISHU, Somalia 4 February 2023 – Ahead of the scheduled hearing on Monday 6 February 2023, the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) reiterates its call to the Banadir Regional Court to dismiss the case against SJS Secretary-General Abdalle Ahmed Mumin who is also a renowned freelance journalist, while on the other hand, calls on the office of the Attorney General to drop the politically-motivated charges.
Abdalle was arbitrarily detained on 11 October 2022 a day after members of the Somali national intelligence raided SJS office in Mogadishu which followed after four media associations issued a joint press conference raising concerns against unlawful and restrictive order issued by the deputy minister of information Abdirahman Yusuf al-Adaala. Since 4 January 2023, the Banadir Regional Court made three hearings related to three charges brought by the office of the attorney general. All of the three charges are derived from the outdated Somali penal code.
The fourth hearing which was due on 26 January 2023 was postponed by the court citing security reasons. However, the day collided with the eight anniversary of the day Abdalle had survived an assassination attempt in 2015.
“Monday February 6, 2023 will be a historic day as the state of Somalia’s press freedom and freedom of expression will be at stake. SJS Secretary-General Abdalle Mumin is the leading voice of Somali journalists and the freedom of the press. We call for the Banadir Regional Court to dismiss the case against Abdalle,” Mohamed Ibrahim, president of Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) said, “We also emphasise the joint statement in December 2022 by the seven international human rights and press freedom organisation calling on Somali Attorney General Sulayman Mohamed Mohamoud to drop all the charges against Abdalle, noting that Abdalle had suffered violations to his right to a fair trial and that his continued prosecution casts a chilling effect on media freedom and journalism in the country.”
“We remind the office of the attorney general that the penal code which they are using to persecute our Secretary-General clearly contravenes the Somali Federal Constitution and international human rights laws including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” Mr. Ibrahim added.
In August 2022, Somali government recognised that the outdated penal violates the human rights including the right to freedom of expression and subsequently announced that it can not be used for journalists.
Cover Photo: SJS Annual Report 2022: State of Press Freedom in Somalia.
MOGADISHU, Somalia 31 January 2023 – Somalia is regarded as one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists, as they face threats from both government and militant groups like Al-Shabab and a few clan militias. The country has topped the list of the Committee to Protect Journalists’ Global Impunity Index for the eighth consecutive year making it the most dangerous country for journalists in Africa.
Much worse than the previous years, judicial harassment on journalists and union leaders, threats through orders and directives that curtail press freedom and impose the journalists and the media houses to remain under self-censorship fearing government reprisals has become the norm in 2022 and in this way, many stories with public interest went unreported.
The new directive imposed on the media on October 8, 2022 by the Somali ministry of information contains a blanket restriction on media freedom and journalists’ right to access information. Journalists and media houses are concerned that the vague wording in the law would limit their ability to report freely on ongoing operations against any armed groups and restrict their media freedoms.
SJS Secretary-General Abdalle Mumin and local journalists gather for a protest to demand Mr. Mumin’s freedom in Mogadishu on 5 December 2022. | PHOTO/SJS.
The raid on SJS office on October 10, the detention of SJS secretary-general Abdalle Ahmed Mumin on October 11 and the persecution against him are yet another chilling message to all the media fraternity in the country. The raid on SJS office was carried by masked men armed with AK47 rifles led by the commander of the Somali Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA)’s Howlwadag district Mr. Shakib shortly after SJS among four press freedom organization held a joint press conference raising concerns on the ministry of information’s restrictive directive.
Following the October 8 directive, Jubbaland intelligence officers arbitrarily detained Horn Cable TV journalist and SJS press freedom coordinator, Abdullahi Hussein Kilas, in the port city of Kismayo on October 23, after covering an attack on a hotel in the centre of Kismayo that day. Kilas was freed later in the day after authorities forced Horn Cable TV to remove the his news report. Consequently, authorities in Hirshabelle raided Hiiraanweyn radio in Beledweyne and detained four reporters on December 22, for reporting the withdrawal of Ma’awisley militia from villages in Hiiraan region over lack of payment. Galmudug police in Adado also detained two local journalists after interviewing clan elders who allegedly met with al-Shabaab members on December 25. Local journalists were also informed to refrain from reporting security related incidents including al-Shabaab attacks.
A snapshot on the trend of the detention against journalists in Somalia over the past four years.
According to SJS documentation, arbitrary detention, use of threats, restrictions and blocking access to information has reached to another worrisome level throughout 2022 and on the other hand federal and local authorities have doubled their attacks on journalists covering the government-declared war between government forces and al-Shabaab in certain regions of the country. Subsequently, two prominent journalists were killed while ten others were injured in 2022, 84 journalists were arrested, seven media stations/offices were raided and shuttered due to their critical reporting.
SJS has documented a sharp rise of the number of journalists leaving the country as a result of threats related to their reporting. Over 10 journalists (three of them female reporters) have fled the country to different countries including Turkey and Kenya. These journalists said they decided to flee into exile as the pressure and threats from the authorities grew and crackdown on the free press has made the situation untenable.
Violations against the media by type in 2022.
Restrictions on access to information entrenched self-censorship among the media. Journalists in Mogadishu, Hirshabelle, Galmudug, South West and Jubbaland told SJS that they were blocked from major events and to the scenes of incidents, including sites of Al-Shabaab attacks and denied access to information on public interests. Journalists have particularly narrated acts of censorship and intimidation aimed at stopping them from uncovering serious human rights violations.
Police commanders, judges, government officials, clan leaders and members of al-Shabaab were described as the key perpetrators of these violations. Journalists in Puntland told SJS that they were denied access to cover news reports revealing police wrongdoings and sexual violence against women and girls. Authorities in Somaliland have used severe restrictions on access to information including internet outage, detention of journalists, suspension of media houses as well as threats intended to silence critical coverage by the local journalists.
Journalists, particularly those covering human rights, have described about economic hardships as a direct consequence of their work to document and investigate human rights violations. The hostile attitude towards journalists covering human rights abuses and the lack of awareness for the general public also remain as part of the challenge.
Violations against the media by state in 2022.
Universal access to information means that everyone has the right to seek, receive and impart information. The media plays a vital role, particularly when it aims to inform the public of critical information and monitors government actions. The right to universal access to information is also bound up with the right to freedom of the press. Unfortunately, the Federal Government of Somalia and its member states are yet to introduce the Access to Information Bill which is a constitutional requirement under Article 32 of the Provisional Federal Constitution.
The growing pressure against Somali journalists and lack of access to information call for concern. When journalists are blocked, threatened and their access to information denied, it will entrench a culture of impunity. Providing and presenting information to the general public, particularly on human rights violations promotes redress for the victims or to seek justice regarding perpetrators through legal action.
We are alarmed by the rise of the attacks against the journalists who are solely targeted for their reporting on the pretext of the Somali government’s military offensive against al-Shabaab. Sadly, these attacks on free press were motivated by the 8 October directive by the ministry of information restricting media coverage on the ongoing security operations.
While we condemn all kinds of attacks on the journalists in the strongest terms possible, we also reiterate our call for both the federal government and the federal member states to stop attacks against journalists and allow the independent media and their journalists to carry out their duties without threats and detention.
In addition, the Somali media law (amendment 2020) also includes provisions that threaten human rights, including freedom of expression, media freedom and could criminalize reporting and give the government overly broad powers and oversight over media organizations.
The provisions on criminal penalties are vaguely worded and could give law enforcement authorities wide scope for misinterpretation and abuse. These include the provision prohibiting reporting on issues conflicting with “national interest”, “false information”, “incitement to violence and clannism” and “dissemination of propaganda”.
Furthermore, the law imposes unspecified fines on journalists who contravene its provisions, and journalists could face prosecution for failure to pay the fines. It also includes a provision which risks undermining journalists’ rights to confidential sources and also contains administrative restrictions that give the Ministry of Information a broad mandate to regulate the media and media practitioners.
It’s unfortunate that journalists are now fearful in their country and are resorting to either self-censor or leave the country. We urge for the local and federal authorities to end the restriction to access to information by state and non-state actors in Somalia.
The federal government and the federal member states should create a safe environment where journalists can exercise their profession without fear or reprisals and allow review for the media law with the consultation of the media stakeholders, media associations and journalists groups.
The federal government and the regional states – including Somaliland – should stop using the penal code for journalists and promptly finalize a comprehensive review of this outdated code and all other laws that impede the right to freedom of expression and media freedom, in addition to other rights, and bring them in line with Somalia’s constitution and international human rights law and standards.
Mohamed Ibrahim Isak President, Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS)
Warbixinta Sannadlaha ah ee SJS: Xaaladda Xorriyadda Saxaafadda ee Soomaaliya 2022.
MUQDISHO, Soomaaliya, 31 Jannaayo 2023 – Soomaaliya ayaa lagu tiriyaa in ay ka mid tahay waddamada ugu khatarta badan caalamka ee ay wariyayaashu ka howlgalaan, maadaama ay la kulmaan hanjabaadyo uga imaanaya dowladda iyo kooxaha xagjirka ah sida Al-Shabaab iyo maleeshiyo beeleedyo kooban. Waddanku waxa uu kaalinta koowaad ka galay liiska uu soo saaray Guddiga Caalamiga ah ee Difaaca Saxafiyiinta ee CPJ sannadkii siddeedaad oo isku xigta taas oo ka dhigaysa waddanka ugu khatarta badan ee saxafiyiinta ka hawlgalaan Afrika.
Si ka daran sanadihii hore, adeegsiga garsoorka si loogu caga jugleeyo saxafiyiinta iyo madaxda ururada, hanjabaadaha lagu lamaaniyay amarada iyo go’aannada xaddidaya xorriyadda saxaafadda laguna soo rogayo saxafiyiinta iyo hay’adaha warbaahinta si ay ugu sii jiraan is faafreeb iyaga oo ka baqaya aargudasho dowladeed ayaa 2022-ka noqotay dhaqan caadi ah, taasina waxay horseedday in sheekoyin badan oo danta guud ah aanan la soo tebin.
Amarka cusub ee lagu soo rogay warbaahinta 8-dii Oktoobar, 2022 ee ay soo saartay wasaaradda warfaafinta Soomaaliya ayaa ka kooban xaddidaad ballaaran oo ku wajahan xorriyadda saxaafadda iyo xuquuqda ay saxafiyiinta u leeyihiin helista macluumaadka. Saxafiyiinta iyo hay’adaha warbaahintu waxay ka walaacsan yihiin in ereyada aan caddayn ee ku jira sharciga ay xaddidi karaan awoodda ay u leeyihiin inay si xor ah uga warbixiyaan hawlgallada socda ee ka dhanka ah kooxaha hubeysan, ayna xaddidi karto xorriyadda warbaahinta madaxa-bannaan.
Xoghayaha Guud ee SJS, Cabdalle Mumin, Agaasimaha Risaala Media Corporation Maxamed Cabduwahaab iyo Saxafi sare Yuusuf Cabdi Shire oo ka mid ah koox saxafiyiin oo ka qeybgalay kulan cabasho ah oo lagu dalabanayey xorriyadda Xoghaye Mumin 5 Disembar 2022. | Sawirka/SJS.
Weerarkii lagu qaaday xafiiska SJS 10-kii Oktoobar, Xarigga Xoghayaha Guud ee SJS Cabdalle Axmed Mumin 11-kii Oktoobar iyo beegsiga weli lagu hayo ayaa ah farriin kale oo dhiilo leh oo ku socota dhammaan bahda warbaahinta dalka. Weerarkii lagu qaaday xafiiska SJS ayaa waxaa fuliyay rag afka soo duubtay oo ku hubeysnaa qoryaha AK47 oo uu hogaaminayay taliyaha ciidanka nabadsugidda ee NISA ee degmada Howlwadaag “Shakiib” wax yar kadib markii SJS oo ka mid ah afar hay’adood oo ah kuwa u dhaqdhaqaaqa xoriyadda saxaafadda ay si wadajir ah u qabteen shir jaraa’id oo ay walaac kaga muujiyeen amarrada xannibaadda ah ee ay soo saartay wasaaradda warfaafinta.
Kaddib ammaradii 8-dii Oktoobar ee wasaaradda warfaafinta, saraakiisha sirdoonka Jubbaland ayaa si sharci darro ah waxay 23-kii Oktoobar magaalada Kismaayo ugu xireen weriye ka tirsan Telefishinka Horn Cable TV ahna xiriiriyaha xorriyadda saxaafadda ee SJS, Cabdullahi Xuseen Kilaas, kaddib markii uu ka warbixiyay weerar lagu qaaday hoteel ku yaalla bartamaha magaalada Kismaayo maalintaas. Kilas ayaa la sii daayey gelinkii dambe ee maalinkaas ka dib markii Horn Cable TV uu boggiisa ka saaray warkii weriye Kilas. Sidaas oo kale, maamulka Hirshabeelle ayaa weeraray idaacadda Hiiraanweyn ee magaalada Beledweyne, waxaana ay xireen afar wariye oo idaacadda ka hawlgalayey 22-kii Disembar, kadib markii ay soo tebiyeen ka bixitaankii maleeshiyada Macawisley ee ku sugnaa tuulooyin ka tirsan gobolka Hiiraan sababo la xiriira mushaar la’aan. Booliska Galmudug ee ku sugan Cadaado ayaa iyaguna xabsiga dhigay labo weriye oo ka ka hawlgala warbaahinta gudaha kuwaasi oo wareystay odayaal beeleed lagu eedeeyay in ay la kulmeen xubno ka tirsan Al-Shabaab 25-kii Disembar. Sidoo kale, waxaa lagu wargeliyay saxafiyiinta deegaanka in ay ka waantoobaan wararka la xiriira dhacdooyinka amniga oo ay ku jiraan weerarada kooxda Al-Shabaab.
Kororka tirada xarigga warfidiyeenka ee afartii sano ee lasoo dhaafay.
Sida ku cad diiwaanka SJS, xariga sharci darrada ah, isticmaalka handadaadda, xaddidaadda iyo xannibaadda helitaanka macluumaadka ayaa gaartay heer kale oo welwel leh sanadkii 2022-ka, halka dhanka kale maamulada heer federaalka iyo dowlad gobolleedyadu ay labo jibbaareen weerarrada ka dhanka ah suxufiyiinta ka warramaya dagaalka ay dawladdu ku dhawaaqday ee u dhexeeya ciidammada dawladda iyo Al-Shabaab ee ka socda gobollada dalka qaarkood. Intii lagu guda jiray sannadkii 2022, waxaa la dilay labo weriye oo caan ah; halka 10 kalena la dhaawacay; 84 weriye ayaa la xiray; toddoba xarumood iyo xafiisyo warbaahineed ayaa la weeraray oo albaabada loo laabay iyadoo la dhibsanayo warbixinadooda xasaasiga ah awgeed.
Tacadiyada ka dhanka ah xorriyadda saxaafadda ee dhacay sannadkii 2022.
SJS ayaa diiwaangelisay kororka tirada saxafiyiinta ee ka fakaneysa dalka taasoo ka dhalatay cabsi ay ka qabaan hanjabaado la xiriira shaqadooda warbaahineed darteed. In ka badan 10 saxafi (saddex ka mid ah ay ahaayeen haween) ayaa dalka uga qaxay dalal kala duwan oo ay ku jiraan Turkiga iyo Kenya. Saxafiyiintan ayaa sheegay in ay go’aansadeen in ay u baxsadaan dalka dibaddiisa, iyadoo ay sii kordhayaan cadaadiska iyo hanjabaadaha ka imaanaya dhanka mas’uuliyiinta dowladda iyo caburinta ka dhanka ah saxaafadda xorta ah oo xaaladda ka dhigtay mid aan la xamili karin.
Xayiraadaha helitaanka macluumaadka waxay abuurtay faafreebka warbaahinta dhexdeeda ay isku sameyso. Warfidiyeenka ku sugan Muqdisho, Hirshabeelle, Galmudug, Koonfur Galbeed iyo Jubbaland ayaa SJS u sheegay in laga hor istaagay munaasabadaha waaweyn iyo goobaha ay ka dhacayeen dhacdooyinka wareed, sida goobihii ay Al-Shabaab weerartay, loona diiday in ay ka soo waramaan arrimaha saameynaya danta guud. Suxufiyiintu waxay si gaar ah uga xog-warameen falal faafreeb iyo caga-juglayn isugu jira oo looga gol-leeyahay in lagu joojiyo inay soo bandhigaan xad-gudubyo halis ah oo ka dhan ah xuquuqda aadanaha.
Gobollada ay ka kala dheceen tacadiyada ka dhanka ah xorriyadda saxaafadda sanadkii 2022.
Taliyeyaasha booliska, garsoorayaasha, saraakiisha dowladda, hogaamiyaasha beelaha iyo xubnaha Al-Shabaab ayaa lagu tilmaamay in ay yihiin kuwa ugu waaweyn ee geysta xadgudubyadan. Saxafiyiinta ku sugan Puntland ayaa SJS u sheegay in loo diiday in ay tabiyaan wararka muujinaya gabood-fallada booliiska iyo xadgudubyada dhanka galmada ah ee lagula kacay haweenka iyo gabdhaha. Maamulka Somaliland ayaa xayiraad adag ku soo rogay helitaanka macluumaadka oo ay ka mid yihiin in la jaro ama la xanibo internet-ka, xarigga warfidiyeenka, xayiraadda xarumaha warbaahinta iyo sidoo kale tallaabooyin cabsi gelin ah oo la doonayo in lagu aamusiyo war-tebinta dhacdooyinka xasaasiga ah ee saxafiyiinta gudaha ay soo gudbinayaan.
Warfidiyeenka, gaar ahaan, kuwa soo tebiya arrimaha xuquuqul insaanka, ayaa u aaneeyay in caqabadda kale oo ay wajahayaan ay tahay dhibaatooyinka dhaqaale taasoo ah natiijada tooska ah ee ka dhalatay shaqadooda si ay u diiwaangeliyaan una baaraan xadgudubyada xuquuqda aadanaha. Dabeecadda cadawtinimada ku saleysan ee loo qabo saxafiyiinta ka waramaaya xadgudubyada xuquuqul insaanka iyo wacyi galinta bulshada guud ayaa sidoo kale qayb ka ah caqabadaha jira.
Helitaanka macluumaadka guud waxay ka dhigan tahay in qof kastaa uu xaq u leeyahay inuu raadiyo, helo oo bixiyo macluumaadka. Warbaahintu waxa ay ciyaartaa door muhiim ah, gaar ahaan marka ay doonayso in ay ku wargeliso dadweynaha xogta muhiimka ah ee dalkooda iyo la socodka hawlaha dawladooda. Xaqa helitaanka xogta waa arrin kale oo ay ku xiran tahay xuquuqda xorriyadda saxaafadda. Nasiib darrose, Dowladda Federaalka Soomaaliya iyo dowlad goboleedyada xubnaha ka ah ayaan weli ku guuleysan in ay soo saaraan Hindise Sharciyeedka Helitaanka Xogta oo ah waajibaad Dastuuri ah sida uu qabo qodobka 32-aad ee Dastuurka KMG ah.
Cadaadiska sii kordhaya ee ka dhanka ah saxafiyiinta Soomaaliyeed iyo helitaan la’aanta xogta ayaa cirka ku shareertay walaaca jira. Marka saxafiyiinta la xannibo, loo hanjabo, loona diido inay helaan macluumaadka, waxay dhaqan gelin doontaa isla xisaabtan la’aan. Bixinta iyo u soo bandhigidda macluumaadka dadweynaha guud ahaan, gaar ahaan arrimaha daboolka ka qaadaya ku-xadgudubka xuquuqul insaanka waxay kor u qaadeysaa in dhibanayaasha tacadiyada xuquuqda aadanaha ay heleen xuquuqdooda ama in loo raadiyo caddaalad ka dhan ah denbiilayaasha iyada oo loo marayo tallaabo sharci ah.
Waxaan ka walaacsanahay kor u kaca weerarada ka dhanka ah saxafiyiinta oo kaliya lagu bar tilmaameedsado warbixinada ay soo tebiyaan ee la xiriira weerarada ciidamada dowladda Soomaaliya ay ku qaadeen Al-Shabaab. Waxaa murugo leh, weerarradan ka dhanka ah saxaafadda xorta ah waxaa sabab u ah amarkii 8-dii Oktoobar ee wasaaradda warfaafinta ee lagu xaddidayay wararka warbaahinta ee howlgallada amniga ee socda.
Anagoo si adag u cambaareynayna weerar kasta oo ka dhan ah saxafiyiinta, waxaan sidoo kale ku celineynaa baaqa ku socda Dowladda Federaalka iyo dowladaha xubnaha ka ah federaalka in ay joojiyaan weerarada ka dhanka ah saxafiyiinta isla markaana ay u ogolaadaan warbaahinta madaxa-bannaan iyo saxafiyiinta in ay gudan karaan waajibaadkooda shaqo hanjabaad iyo xarig la’aan.
Intaa waxaa dheer, xeerka saxaafadda Soomaaliya (wax ka beddelka 2020) waxaa ku jira qodobbo khatar ku ah xuquuqul insaanka, xorriyadda hadalka iyo xorriyadda saxaafadda isla markaana denbi ka dhigi karta tabinta warbaahinta, dawladdana siin kara awood ballaadhan iyo inay korjoogteyn ku sameyso shaqada warbaahinta xorta ah.
Qodobada ku saabsan ciqaabta denbi ee ku jira xeerka saxaafadda ayaa ah kuwo aanan si cad loo qeexin waxayna siin karaan hay’adaha sharci fulinta awood ballaaran oo ay u fasirtaan si khaldan iyo ku xadgudub. Qodobada maldahan waxaa ka mid ah qodobka mamnuucaya ka warbixinta arrimaha ka soo horjeeda “danta qaranka”, “war been abuur ah”, “hurin colaad iyo qabiil” iyo “fidinta borobogaandada”.
Waxaa intaa dheer, xeerku wuxuu ku soo rogayaa ganaax aan la cayimin weriyeyaasha ka hor yimaada qodobbada uu dhigayo, waxaana laga yaabaa in saxafiyiinta ay wajahaan dacwad ciqaab ah oo ku saabsan inay bixin waayeen ganaaxyada. Waxa kale oo ka mid ah qodob khatar gelinaya xuquuqda saxafiyiinta oo ah in ilo wareedyada qarsoon lagu qasbo warbaahinta inay sheegaan, iyo sidoo kale xayiraado maamul oo siinaya wasaaradda warfaafinta awood ballaaran oo ay ku maquuniso warbaahinta iyo hawl-wadeennada warbaahinta.
Waxaa nasiib darro ah in saxafiyiintu ay hadda cabsi ku qabaan dalkooda gudihiisa iyagoo miciin bidaya inay is-faafreebaan ama ay dalka isaga baxaan. Waxaan ku boorineynaa maamullada maxalliga ah iyo kuwa Dowladda Federaalka inay joojiyaan xaddidaadda helitaanka macluumaadka haddii ay ahaan lahayd midda dowladeed iyo tan aan la xiriirin dowladda intuba.
Dowladda Federaalka iyo dowladaha xubnaha ka ah waa in ay abuuraan jawi nabdoon oo saxafiyiintu ay ku gudan karaan waajibaadkooda cabsi la’aan iyo aargoosi la’aan, ayna ogolaadaan in dib u eegis lagu sameeyo sharciga saxaafadda iyadoo lala tashanayo daneeyayaasha warbaahinta, ururada xarumaha warbaahinta iyo kuwa saxafiyiinta.
Dawladda Federaalka ah iyo dawlad-goboleedyada – oo ay ku jirto Somaliland – waa in ay joojiyaan adeegsiga xeerka ciqaabta ee lagu qaado warfidiyeenka, oo ayna si degdeg ah u dhammaystiraan dib-u-eegis dhamaystiran oo lagu sameeyo xeerkan duugoobay iyo dhammaan shuruucda kale ee caqabadda ku ah xaqa xorriyadda hadalka iyo xorriyadda saxaafadda oo lagu daray xuquuqaha kale, lana waafajiyo Dastuurka Federaalka Soomaaliya iyo xeerarka caalamiga ah ee xuquuqul insaanka.
January 31, 2023 – Rwandan authorities should allow an independent, impartial, and effective investigation, drawing on international expertise, into the death of John Williams Ntwali, a leading investigative journalist, 90 civil society organizations and media associations said today. Rwanda’s international partners should press the authorities to allow and cooperate fully with such an investigation.
Ntwali’s family was informed of his death on January 19, 2023, when the police asked Ntwali’s broher to identify his body at the Kacyiru Hospital morgue. The police told the New Times that Ntwali died in a motorbike accident in Kimihurura, Kigali, on January 18 at 2:50 a.m. However, two weeks after the alleged accident, Rwandan authorities have failed to provide a police report, the exact location of the alleged accident, any photo or video evidence, or detailed information on the others involved in it.
A journalist who saw Ntwali a day before his death told Voice of America that: “He looked cautious and switched off his phone before we started talking… He said phones could not be trusted. He told me that all the doors on which he knocked were closed but he was determined to face life. His death was so sudden.”
Ntwali was regularly threatened and attacked in pro-government media for his investigative reporting. In June 2022, he told Human Rights Watch:
I’m told that after CHOGM [the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting], they won’t play around with us anymore. I’ve been told five or six times. I receive phone calls from private numbers. Some people have come to my house twice to tell me. NISS [National Intelligence and Security Services] has told me: ‘If you don’t change your tone, after CHOGM, you’ll see what happens to you.’
Ntwali played a leading role in covering and bringing attention to the plight of Kangondo neighborhood residents, who are in a long-standing dispute with the authorities over land evictions. At the time, he told Al Jazeera: “I’m focused on justice, human rights, and advocacy… the three are risky here in Rwanda. But I’m committed…. Those who try to speak out, they are jailed – harassed, intimidated or jailed. Second, forced to flee their country. Three, some of them disappear in thin air. Or even, they die.”
Ntwali was also one of only a few journalists in Rwanda independently covering high profile, politicized trials of journalists, commentators and opposition members, and posting videos about their conditions in prison. In June 2022, he told Human Rights Watch about the torture wounds he had seen on some of these critics and opponents. Recently, he also published videos on his YouTube channel about people who had suspiciously “disappeared.” His last video, posted on January 17, was about the reported disappearance of a genocide survivor who had spoken out about being beaten by police officers in 2018.
Rwanda has an obligation, under international human rights law, to ensure an effective investigation into Ntwali’s death. The right to life is enshrined in the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and according to the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa, “States shall take effective legal and other measures to investigate, prosecute and punish perpetrators of attacks against journalists and other media practitioners, and ensure that victims have access to effective remedies.”
Rwanda’s president is the Chair-in-Office of the Commonwealth since the last Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, held in Kigali, Rwanda, in June 2022. The Chair-in-Office represents the Commonwealth at high-level international meetings and the Commonwealth Secretary-General’s conflict prevention and resolution work for a two-year period. In the Commonwealth Charter of 2013, member states reaffirmed their core values and principles, including upholding human rights, freedom of expression, the rule of law and the role of civil society.
The Commonwealth Principles on freedom of expression and the role of the media in good governance, adopted by the Commonwealth Law Ministers in November, state that “Member states should act decisively to end impunity through impartial, prompt and effective investigations into all alleged cases of killings, attacks and ill-treatment of journalists and media workers, by prosecutions to bring the instigators and perpetrators of such crimes to justice and by the provision of effective redress for the victims.”
Rwandan authorities have consistently failed to ensure credible investigations into and accountability for suspicious deaths of political opponents or high-profile critics, such as Kizito Mihigo in February 2020 Therefore, regional and international experts, such as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions or the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights working group on the death penalty, extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary killings and enforced disappearances in Africa should be involved in the investigation.
We, the undersigned organizations, urge Rwanda’s international partners, including the Commonwealth, to stand by their stated commitment to media freedom and to call on Rwanda to allow an effective, independent and prompt investigation into the suspicious death of John Williams Ntwali.
The groups are:
Al Khatim Adlan Centre for Enlightenment and Human Development (Sudan)
Amnesty International
Article 19 Eastern Africa
Association Des Journalistes Indépendants Du Bénin
Association for Human Rights in Ethiopia
Baraza Media Lab (Kenya)
Bloggers Association of Kenya
Botswana Editors Forum
Center for Advancement of Rights and Democracy (Ethiopia)
Center for Strategic Litigation (Tanzania)
Centre for Development and Research (South Sudan)
Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (Nigeria)
Chapter Four (Uganda)
Coalition for Whistleblower Protection and Press Freedom
Coalition of Somali Human Rights Defenders
Committee to Protect Journalists
Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative
Commonwealth Journalists Association (International)
Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (South Sudan)
Daryel Human Rights Organization (Somalia)
Digital Rights Lawyers Initiative (Nigeria)
Eastern Africa Editors Society
EG Justice (Equatorial Guinea)
Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights
Ethiopian Human Rights Defenders Center
Ethiopian Labour Rights Watch
Ethiopian Women Rights Advocates
Federation of African Journalists
Federation of Somali Journalists
Human Rights Centre Somaliland
Human Rights Foundation
Human Rights Network for Journalists–Uganda
Human Rights Watch
Inclusive Vision for Democractic Ethiopia
Index on Censorship
Iniskoy for Peace and Development Organization (Somalia)
INK Centre for Investigative Journalism (Botswana)
Institute of Commonwealth Studies
Inter Africa Group
International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH)
International Press Association of East Africa
International Press Association of Uganda
International Press Institute
International Service for Human Rights
Isha Human Rights Organization (Somalia)
Kalkaal Human Rights and Development Organisation (Somalia)
Kenya Editors Guild
Kenya Human Rights Commission
Kenya National Civil Society Centre
La Maison de la presse du Niger
Lawyers for Human Rights (Ethiopia)
Ligue centrafricaine des droits de l’Homme
Maka Angola (Angola)
Media Foundation for West Africa
Media Institute of Southern Africa–Tanzania
Media Rights Agenda (Nigeria)
National Association of Black Journalists (United States)
Network of Ethiopian Women Association
Observatoire des Droits de l’Homme au Rwanda
Patronat de la presse tchadienne
Patronat de la Presse Togolaise
PEN Afrikaans
PEN Gambia
PEN International
PEN Nigeria
PEN Sierra Leone
PEN South Africa
PEN Uganda
PEN Zambia
Premium Times (Nigeria)
Protection International Africa
Reporters sans Frontières
Resource Rights Africa (Uganda)
Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights
Rwanda Accountability Initiative
Somali Children Welfare and Rights Watch
Somali Journalists Syndicate
South African National Editors’ Forum
South Sudan Human Rights Defenders Network
South West Human Rights Defenders Network (Somalia)
Surbana Vision Medias and Community Services (US/Eritrea)
Syndicat National des Journalistes Indépendants du Togo
Syndicat National des Professionnels de la Presse de Côte d’Ivoire
Syndicat Professionnels Information Communication Sénégal
Recently detained journalists (from left to the top right): Kalsan TV journalist Abdihafid Nur; SomNews TV Mahdi Siyad; Horyal24 TV reporter Abdirahman Mohamed Adani; SomNews TV reporter Mohamed; SomNews TV reoorter Jabir Said Duale and Mohamud Koronto. | PHOTO/Combined/SJS.
MOGADISHU, Somalia 28 January, 2023 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) is concerned by the recent threats including judicial harassment and arbitrary detention intended to silence local journalists in Somaliland and in Mogadishu as we call authorities in Hargeisa to free two SomNews TV journalists currently in police custody.
On 26 January 2023, the Sanaag Regional Court sentenced Horyal24 TV reporter Abdirahman Mohamed Adani with nine months of imprisonment and 900,000 Sl.Sh. (USD 105) fine for covering a story the exposed a Somaliland military officer who closed down the only available mother and child health centre in Fiqifuliye, a rural village in the southern Sanaag region which reportedly led to the death of a young expectant mother in October last year. A second journalist Jabir Said Duale who covered the story for SomNews TV was also sentenced to a 600,000 Sl.Sh. (USD 70) fine. The pair were detained on 17 October 2022 but were freed on bail on the same day.
The court freed a third journalist Abdirisak Haji Ahmed who reports for the state-owned Somaliland National TV who was also held for the same case.
Horyal24 TV reporter Abdirahman Mohamed Adani (left) and SomNews TV reporter Jabir Said Duale. | PHOTO/Courtesy.
On 25 January 2023, Somaliland police detained two SomNews TV reporter Mohamed Mohamud Koronto and cameraman Mahdi Siyad in Hargeisa on Wednesday following a raid by the police on the news station’s offices in Hargeisa that day as reported by the station. According to journalists who spoke to SJS, the two journalists are still held in the police custody without charges. SomNews TV representative told SJS that it was not immediately clear the motive of the raid and the detention of their journalists but they suspect that authorities were irritated by the TV’s constant coverage on the Laascaanood unrest. At least one of the detained journalists is hailing from Laascaanood town.
SomNews TV journalists Mohamed Mohamud Koronto and Mahdi Siyad. | PHOTO/Courtesy.
On 22 January 2023, Somali police officers shot live bullets at two journalists working for Risaala Media Corporation as they were covering a terror attack at the Mogadishu mayor’s office. According to the director of Risaala Media Corporation, they were not hurt, however, the journalists were forced to leave immediately the scene.
On 17 January 2023, Somali police in Kahda district, Mogadishu, arbitrarily detained Kalsan TV journalist Abdihafid Nur as he was covering a public protest by the community members in Kahda who were complaining against the district commissioner. According to Kalsan TV, Abdihafid was freed on the following night without charge.
Kalsan TV journalist Abdihafid Nur. | PHOTO/Courtesy Kalsan TV.
On Wednesday 25 January 2023, the Banadir Regional Court in Mogadishu postponed the fourth hearing of the press freedom case involving SJS secretary-general Abdalle Ahmed Mumin citing security reasons. The hearing, which was scheduled for Thursday 26 January, collided with the eight anniversary of the attack on Abdalle’s life which he survived in 2015.
“We are very concerned about the use of judicial harassment, sham trials and arbitrary arrests to intimidate and silence journalists covering events of public interest, particularly in the recent cases in Erigabo, Hargeisa and Mogadishu. These violations were committed by government officials who seek to cover up their wrongdoings,” SJS President Mohamed Ibrahim said “We call for the immediate release of Mohamed Mohamud Koronto and Mahdi Siyad of SomNews TV who are still in the custody of Hargeisa police while we call Erigabo authorities to stop using judiciary to intimidate journalists.”
“We also call for the Banadir Regional Court to dismiss the case against SJS secretary-general Abdalle Mumin because this case is a press freedom related one and can not be a crime,” he added.
Radio Risaala journalist (from left to right) Ilyas Daud Hassan, Sayid Ahmed Abdullahi and their cameraman Ali Hassan Gure detained in Mogadishu on 28 Dec., 2022. | PHOTO/Courtesy.
MOGADISHU, Somalia 30 December 2022 – Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) and the Somali Media Association (SOMA) condemn the arbitrary detention of five local journalists in Mogadishu and in Galmudug over their coverage deemed critical to the authorities as we call both federal and Galmudug officials to stop ongoing attacks on free press.
On Wednesday 28 December, Somali police in Mogadishu’s Hamarweyne district arbitrarily detained three Risaala Media Corporation journalists– news reporter Ilyas Daud Hassan, reporter Sayid Ahmed Abdullahi and their cameraman Ali Hassan Gure – who were covering Hamarweyne community members who were complaining about the closure of city roads on Wednesday following the visit of Djiboutian president Ismail Omar Guelleh in Mogadishu. According to Radio Risaala, the journalists were intercepted as they were preparing to record interviews with the members of the public and their equipment confiscated by the Hamarweyne police commissioner, Najib Arab. One of the journalists said they were held at the police station for two hours before they were freed without charges but were told not to interview the people complaining.
Journalists Sadaq Abdi Shidane and Mubarak Mohamud Adan in Adado on 25 December, 2022. | PHOTO/Courtesy.
On Sunday 25 December, Galmudug police detained two local reporters Sadaq Abdi Shidane and Mubarak Mohamud Adan in Adado district after they interviewed clan elders who allegedly said they met with al-Shabaab members in central Somalia. The two journalists were freed on the same day without charges.
“We condemn the continued attacks and threats against the journalists including the recent arbitrary detention of three Risaala Media Corporation colleagues who were detained in Mogadishu on Wednesday and two other journalists detained in Galmudug,” SJS President Mohamed Ibrahim said, “Journalists in the country strive to inform the public, despite risking their lives while on duty. We call for both the federal and the regional authorities to respect freedom of the press and cease the ongoing crackdown on the journalists.”
“Our member radio stations and their employees are constantly facing attacks from the state security forces especially the police and the national intelligence as we are facing an unprecedented crackdown meant to stifle the free media in Somalia,” SOMS Secretary-General Mohamed Osman Makaran said, “These attacks against the press must stop and journalists and media stations should be allowed a safe environment where they can freely carry out their professional duties to inform the public about what is happening in their country.”
(From left to right) SJS officials Mohamed Bulbul, Hanad Ali Guled and lawyer Abdirahman Hassan Omar. | PHOTO/SJS.
MOGADISHU, Somalia 24 December 2022 – Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) strongly condemns the arbitrary detention of three SJS officials at the Aden Adde International Airport by the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) and the attack against Arlaadi Media Network’s news editor in Mogadishu on Saturday 24 December.
On Saturday, NISA agents led by Mahad Carab Dhiblawe stopped and later detained SJS human rights and information secretary, Mohamed Ibrahim Bulbul, SJS training secretary Hanad Ali Guled and SJS lawyer Abdirahman Hassan Omar while they were preparing to board a flight early morning to attend journalists training in Hiiraan region. They were held and interrogated at NISA office within the airport for two hours when they were all released but have missed their flight.
Around 6:00am on Saturday, Arlaadi Media Network’s news editor, Aweys Bashir Abdirahman was attacked and beaten by three men at around KM4 area in Mogadishu while walking to his media station. According to Aweys, he was among four pedestrians when one of the attackers who was armed with AK47 singled him out and dragged him to the street corner. “They were all in plain-clothes. They stopped me and held my hands towards by back and started beating me with the gun. They were threatening me with shooting and as they were referring my news reporting about Southwest State. They took my phone before they drove towards KM4 junction just past the police guarding the criminal investigation department (CID),” Aweys told SJS.
Arlaadi Media Network’s news editor, Aweys Bashir Abdirahman. | PHOTO/Courtesy.
Journalists at Arlaadi Media Network have previously reported threats and persecution for critically reporting on the Southwest regional authorities. On Friday, Southwest State security forces clashed the opposition clan forces in Baidoa over the regional president’s term dispute.
When the journalist run to the police offices at the nearby CID, officers said they could not risk chasing the armed men and instructed to call the police emergency number. “When I called the number, the person responding said they were unable to track the armed men.”
“We condemn the ongoing harassment and the brief detention against our officials including the incident at the Mogadishu airport on Saturday. We call for the top government officials to carryout prompt investigation into the case and bring those involved to justice. Only accountability can ensure the safety of the journalists,” SJS President, Mohamed Ibrahim said “We also condemn the armed assailants that targeted Arlaadi Media Network journalist Aweys Bashir Abdirahman this morning in Mogadishu. This attack and others against the media professionals in Somalia should be thoroughly and honestly investigated and perpetrators should be held accountable.”
Radio Hiiraanweyn journalists: (from left to right) Abdullahi Osman Idow, Mustaf Ali Adow, Abdirahman Moalim Muse, and Abdimajid Abdirahman Adan are detained in Beledweyne on Thursday, 22 December, 2022. | PHOTO/Courtesy.
MOGADISHU, Somalia 22 December 2022 – Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS), the Somali Media Association (SOMA) and Somalia Mechanism for Safety of the Journalists (SMSJ) condemn the raid and closure of the independent local Radio Hiiraanweyn in Beledweyne, Hiiraan region on Thursday 22 December, as well as the arbitrary detention of four of Radio Hiiraanweyn journalists after covering an al-Shabaab attack in the central Somalia region.
Around 11:00am on Thursday morning, the Beledweyne police commissioner Bishar Hussein Jimale, summoned Abdullahi Osman Idow, Radio Hiiraanweyn technician and detained him at the police station. Later, at around 2:00pm armed police officers raided the radio station and ordered its complete shut down before detaining three journalists: Mustaf Ali Adow (the radio’s chief editor), Abdirahman Moalim Muse (news reporter) and Abdimajid Abdirahman Adan (news reporter). All the four journalists are currently held at the police station while the radio station remains off-air.
Early on Thursday, Radio Hiiraanweyn reported an al-Shabaab attack on the rural villages on the south of Beledweyne following withdrawal of the Ma’awisley forces who complained about lack of salaries. The radio news story was published also on its Facebook page.
SJS, SOMA and SMSJ strongly condemn the raid of Radio Hiiraanweyn, which is an independent radio station, and the arbitrary detention of four of its journalists. We call for the Hirshabelle authorities to immediately free the four radio journalists and allow Radio Hiiraanweyn to resume its operation without any condition.
Meanwhile, SJS, SOMA and SMSJ are concerned about the new directive by the Office of Somali President which orders media houses to submit their news content for approval before it airs. Many of the media stations that received this order are members of SOMA.
“We are shocked to learn about the raid against Radio Hiiraanweyn in central Somalia and the detention of four of its journalists by Hirshabelle State police. The radio station was put off-air and its journalists arrested after they covered a news story about an al-Shabaab attack in villages on the south of Beledweyne on Thursday,” SJS President, Mohamed Ibrahim said “We strongly condemn this attack on Radio Hiiraanweyn as we call for the authorities to free the four detained journalists without condition. Journalism is not a crime. The ongoing security operations should not be used as an excuse by state security forces to restrict the freedom of the press.”
“Today, Hirshabelle State police raided Radio Hiiraanweyn, a member of SOMA and closed it down. The police also arbitrarily arrested four journalists whom they are holding at the police station without charge. We demand for the immediate freedom of our colleagues and the radio to be allowed back to air,” SOMA Secretary-General, Mohamed Osman Makaran said, “Today’s attack on Radio Hiiraanweyn is a part of a series of violent measures and restrictions against journalists and media freedom. On Saturday this week, media stations including our members received a new order from Villa Somalia in which the president’s communication officials demanded that local news outlets must submit their content for approval before any broadcast which we all refused.”
SJS, SOMA and SMSJ also condemn the ongoing threats and persecution against SJS Secretary-General, Abdalle Ahmed Mumin including the restrictions against his right to movement and right to freedom of expression by the ministry of information officials as another example of the blatant violations that Somali authorities are committing with total impunity. Abdalle’s court hearing is now scheduled to commence at Banadir Regional Court on 4 January 2023.
Channel4 News journalist, Jamal Osman (left) and Arlaadi Media Network reporter, Mohamed Nur Mohamed (right). | PHOTO/Combined.
MOGADISHU, Somalia 19 December 2022 – Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) condemns the new instructions by the Villa Somalia to censor local media stations by demanding news outlets to submit written copies of their news reporting daily to Villa Somalia’s directorate of communications, according to local media directors who received the new orders, the latest in a string of attacks against the press in Somalia.
On Saturday 17 December, officials at the President’s Communications Office called local media directors and instructed them that they should submit their news stories in word document before any broadcast. According to the director of Risaala Media Corporation, Mohamed Abduwahab, some media houses have rejected the demand which is effective starting from Saturday.
Channel4 News Africa correspondent, Jamal Muhumed Osman. | PHOTO/Courtesy.
On Sunday 18 December, Somali National Intelligence (NISA) agents detained the UK-based Channel4 News Africa correspondent, Jamal Muhumed Osman at the Mogadishu’s Aden Adde Airport shortly after arriving at the airport from London. The multi-award winning journalist was held at an airport hotel overnight and his movement restricted until Monday when he was allowed to leave the country with the intervention of members of the parliament. Jamal later wrote on his Facebook that he was jetting back to London. It was not yet clear why Jamal was detained. Earlier this year, Jamal’s reporting inside al-Shabaab won the 2022 Rory Peck Award for Best News Feature in the United Kingdom.
On Monday 19 December, NISA agents at the federal parliament’s Lower House building in Mogadishu assaulted Arlaadi Media Network reporter, Mohamed Nur Mohamed who was at the parliament to cover the parliament sitting on Monday. The journalist, who was accredited to cover the parliament was also removed from the venue by NISA agents.
Arlaadi Media Network reporter, Mohamed Nur Mohamed. | PHOTO/Courtesy.
Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) condemns these latest attacks including censorship against the local media, restrictions and beating against the journalists in Mogadishu. We call for the Somalia government to immediately to retract its latest censorship order, respect press freedom and give the journalists and the media workers a secure environment where they can exercise their profession without fear or reprisals.
SJS also condemns the ongoing threats and persecution against SJS Secretary-General, Abdalle Ahmed Mumin including the restrictions against his right to movement and right to freedom of expression by the ministry of information officials as another example of the blatant violations that Somali authorities are committing with total impunity.
“We condemn the new press censorship order by Villa Somalia, restrictions imposed on Channel 4 freelance journalist and beating of Arlaadi Media journalists by the NISA agents at the Somali parliament,” Mohamed Ibrahim, President, Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) said, “These latest government attacks against the press including the new censorship order will have a chilling effect on the already fragile press freedom situation in the country.”
“We call on the Somali government, especially the Villa Somalia officials to retract their censorship, which violates basic constitutional right of the citizens right to know.” Mr. Ibrahim added.
MUQDISHO, 10 DISEMBAR 2022 – Maanta waa Maalinta Caalamiga ah ee Xuquuqul Insaanka, Ururka Suxufiyiinta Soomaaliyeed Somali Journalists Syndicate – SJS waxa uu maanta ku baaqayaa in lala xisaabtamo kuwa ku kaca xadgudubyada ka dhanka ah xuquuqul insaanka ee ka dhaca Soomaaliya oo ay ku jiraan tacadiyada loo geysto suxufiyiinta iyo bahda saxaafadda.
Sannad kasta 10ka Diseembar, adduunka waxaa laga xusaa maalinta xuquuqul insaanka, isla maalintii 1948-kii, Golaha loo dhan yahay ee Qaramada Midoobay uu ansixiyay Baaqa Caalamiga ah ee Xuquuqda Aadanaha (UDHR). Mawduuca Maalinta Xuquuqul Insaanka ee sanadkan waa “Sharaf, Xorriyad, iyo Caddaalad Dhammaan”.
Waxaase murugo leh, hoos u dhaca xorriyadda saxaafadda iyo kororka khataraha lagu hayo badbaadada saxafiyiinta ayaa Soomaaliya ka noqday xaalad welwel leh. Laba wariye oo caan ah ayaa la dilay iyagoo sheeko eryanayay ilaa 30kii Sebtembar 2022, sida ku cad dukumentiyada SJS. 28 kale oo saxafiyiin iyo xirfadlayaal warbaahineed ah ayaa si aan sharciga waafaqsanayn loogu xidhay guud ahaan Soomaaliya (ay ku jirto Somaliland) tan iyo 1dii Juun 2022; halka 8 kalena ay ku dhaawacmeen rasaas ama qaraxyo ka dhacay Muqdisho iyo Hirshabeelle. Ilaa hadda ma jirto cid lagula xisaabtamay weeraradan.
Intaa waxaa dheer, Wasaaradda Warfaafinta Soomaaliya ayaan weli wax dib u eegis ku samaynayn amarkeeda 8-da Oktoobar 2022 ee si aan habboonayn u xaddidaya xuquuqda xorriyadda hadalka iyo helidda macluumaadka saxafiyiinta ka warramaya hawlgallada amni ee ka dhanka ah al-Shabaab ee socda. Sharciga warbaahinta ee dhibaatada leh iyo adeegsiga xeerka ciqaabta ee waqtigiisu dhamaaday ee lagu xirayo laguna dacweynayo saxafiyiinta ayaa wali sii socda.
Hanjabaadda iyo caga-juglaynta joogtada ah ee ka dhanka ah Xoghayaha Guud ee SJS, Cabdalle Axmed Muumin oo ay ka mid yihiin xannibaadaha ka dhanka ah xuquuqdiisa dhaq-dhaqaaqa iyo xaqa xorriyadda hadalka ee mas’uuliyiinta wasaaradda warfaafinta ayaa ah tusaale kale oo muujinaya xadgudubyada badheedhka ah ee ay ku kacayaan mas’uuliyiinta Soomaaliyeed ee aan waxba galabsan.
SJS waxay ugu baaqaysaa dawladda federaalka ah ee Soomaaliya iyo dawladaha xubnaha ka ah inay ixtiraamaan dastuurkooda iyo Baaqa Caalamiga ah ee Xuquuqul Insaanka oo labaduba dammaanad qaadaya xaqa xorriyadda hadalka oo ah xuquuqaha muhiimka ah ee xuquuqda aadanaha. Maamulka waa in la xasuusiyaa in aamusinta suxufiyiinta oo la dilo, ama la dhibaateeyo oo la xiro ay tahay faafreebka ugu xun. Sida kaliya ee lagu soo afjari karo xadgudubyadan waa in la ogolaado in lala xisaabtamo dembiilayaasha.
Sida ku cad Bayaanka Vienna iyo Barnaamijka Waxqabadka, SJS waxay xasuusinaysaa beesha caalamka inay doorkeeda ka qaadato cadaadiska iyo dhiirigelinta isla xisaabtanka kuwa geysta xadgudubyada xuquuqul insaanka iyo in la xaqiijiyo in si buuxda loo dhowro dhammaan xuquuqda aadanaha iyo in laga hortago sii socoshada xadgudubyada xuquuqda aadanaha Soomaaliya.
“Maalinta Caalamiga ah ee Xuquuqul Insaanka, SJS waxay ku boorinaysaa maamulada Soomaalida heer federaal iyo heer gobol inay u ogolaadaan jawi ammaan ah suxufiyiinta iyo dhammaan bahda saxaafadda. Warbaahin aan cabsi lahayn, madax bannaan oo kala duwani waa tan buuxin karta xaqa ay bulshada Soomaaliyeed u leedahay inay wax ogaato, waana in la ilaaliyo,” ayuu yiri Madaxweynaha SJS Maxamed Ibraahim. “Dembiyada ka dhanka ah saxafiyiinta ma dhammaan doonaan haddii aan lala xisaabtamin dambiilayaasha – oo ay ku jiraan saraakiisha sare ee dowladda ee weerarada u geysta saxafiyiinta. Ka cabsan mayno inaan dalbanno isla xisaabtanka.”
