MOGADISHU, Somalia, 28 July 2023 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) takes immense pride in announcing its official membership to the esteemed International Press Institute (IPI), a global network comprising editors, media executives, and distinguished journalists. This momentous occasion further bolsters SJS’s unwavering commitment to defending press freedom, safety of journalists and upholding freedom of expression, both within Somalia and on the international stage.
With this strategic partnership, SJS solidifies its role as a formidable advocate for press freedom, empowering its members in the face of daunting challenges confronting media professionals in Somalia. The inclusion into the International Press Institute marks a significant milestone in our ongoing fight for media independence and journalist safety.
“We are thrilled to commemorate yet another achievement as we join the prestigious International Press Institute (IPI). This affiliation enhances SJS’s capacity to advocate effectively for media freedom in Somalia and equip our members with the necessary tools to navigate through critical situations impacting journalism in Somalia,” said Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, the Secretary-General of SJS.
SJS serves as a national-level journalists’ union and a steadfast advocate for press freedom, relentlessly and courageosly safeguarding the rights of journalists while providing vital legal aid to those facing court cases arising from their journalistic work. Our mission is to ensure that journalists can carry out their duties without fear of reprisal, and our collaboration with IPI reinforces this endeavor.
As the media landscape continues to evolve, SJS remains dedicated to promoting responsible journalism and defending the rights of those who courageously report the truth. Our partnership with IPI strengthens our collective commitment to preserving the fundamental principles of free and independent media.
“In these challenging times, SJS calls upon all stakeholders to recognize the critical role of a free press in upholding democracy, fostering transparency, and empowering the public with accurate information,” Mr. Mumin concluded, “Together, we can build a society that values press freedom and cherishes the tireless efforts of journalists striving for truth and accountability.”
The Somali Journalists Syndicate expresses its gratitude to the International Press Institute for welcoming us into its esteemed network and pledges to continue championing press freedom in Somalia and beyond.
Somali freelance journalist Busharo Ali Mohammed (widely known as Bushaaro Baanday) detained in Hargeisa since 15 May 2023. | PHOTO Courtesy/SJS.
MOGADISHU/ WASHINGTON D.C – Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) and Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights (RFK Human Rights) condemn the arbitrary arrest and detention of Somali freelance journalist Busharo Ali Mohammed (widely known as Bushaaro Baanday) and call for her immediate and unconditional release by Somaliland authorities. Her ongoing detention is the latest in a series of unlawful and appalling actions against journalists by the Somaliland government.
Busharo is recognized for her critical coverage of Somaliland government authorities. She lives in the U.K., and was traveling to Hargeisa for a journalistic assignment when she was arrested. Ahead of her arrest, Busharo was among the nine journalists the Somaliland government prevented from accessing social media to cover the ongoing armed conflict in the disputed territory of Lasanod.
Busharo was arrested May 15, at the Somaliland-Ethiopia border, and allegedly tortured before being transported to Hargesia Central Prison where she remains in custody. Despite sustaining face and leg injuries during the arrest, she reportedly has been denied medical care while in custody. She is being held incommunicado with limited access to her lawyers who have confirmed that she is being held under cruel conditions.
During her first court appearance on May 17, Somaliland authorities claimed Busharo disseminated propaganda and jeopardized national security. She was held without charges until June 20, when the Somaliland Office of the Attorney General leveled groundless accusations against her, including the publication or dissemination of false information, anti-national activity, and the disclosure of classified information. Busharo has appeared in court seven times, each appearance resulting in the further extension of her arbitrary detention.
“We are deeply concerned about the ongoing detention of our colleague, Busharo Ali Mohamed, in Hargeisa. Her detention and the persistent legal harassment constitute a blatant violation of human rights and send a chilling message to the media community in Somaliland and we condemn it. We call for Somaliland authorities to drop the baseless charges and release her immediately and unconditionally so that she can reunite with her family,” said Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, the Secretary-General of SJS.
“RFK Human Rights condemns Busharo’s judicial persecution in the strongest possible terms. Busharo’s unlawful detention is a reminder of Somaliland’s appalling record of violence against journalists and human rights defenders,” said Ikechukwu Uzoma, Africa Staff Attorney at Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights. “Somaliland authorities must act quickly to free her and cease the disturbing pattern of silencing critical voices.”
Journalists and officials pose for a group photo after completing a three-day journalists training on climate change reporting in Gedo region, June 14, 2023. | PHOTO/SJS.
MOGADISHU, Somalia 5 July 2023 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) successfully concluded a pioneering training program for journalists on climate change reporting for sustainable development in Somalia, benefiting 30 local journalists across Somalia.
Supported by Medico International, the training aimed to empower journalists who have not had access to climate journalism training, while also addressing the lack of understanding among news editors and media managers regarding the impact of climate change on local communities in Somalia. The comprehensive training took place in Mogadishu and Gedo between February and June 2023.
SJS Secretary-General, Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, emphasized the importance of skilled journalists in accurately communicating information about climate change. The partnership with Medico International equipped local reporters and news editors with vital skills to understand climate change as a national and local issue. The objective was to enable journalists to help their communities comprehend this pressing crisis and contribute diverse and underrepresented voices to the climate change discourse.
“Journalists can play a significant role in shaping climate policy, raising awareness among local communities – including displaced persons – and assisting them in establishing mitigation and adaptation plans amid the climate crisis in our country,” added SJS Secretary-General, Mr. Mumin, “Media has a significant influence on public opinion, and how climate change issues are reported by the media and understood by the people determines the discourse and solutions offered for vulnerable communities affected by climate change.”
Somalia faces severe challenges from drought, conflict, climatic shocks, and forced evictions, all of which have exacerbated an ongoing humanitarian crisis. The country is grappling with acute food insecurity, with rural areas and internally displaced people (IDPs) at high risk of famine. Ironically, catastrophic recent flooding has further compounded the drought, impacting populations in cities like Beledweyne and Baardheere.
SJS Secretary-General, Abdalle Mumin, joins training participants remotely for a discussion on climate change reporting. | PHOTO/SJS.
Participants, such as Meymun Omar from Radio Gedo, expressed their gratitude for the training, which provided them with a comprehensive understanding of climate change issues. Armed with newfound skills, the young female radio reporter is now able to strategize her daily programs to effectively inform the local audience about climate change and help them make informed decisions during crises.
“Prior to this training, the subject of climate change issues were unfamiliar territory to me. However, now I have gained profound insights and realized that as journalists, we possess the power to assist our community in making informed decisions to overcome these crises through our radio programs,” she stated.
A group of journalists attend climate change reporting training in Mogadishu on February 25, 2023. | PHOTO/SJS.
Gedo region remains severely affected by the climate crisis, with floods claiming lives and displacing local families in Baardheere. The town of Doolow accommodates over 13,000 IDP households. Abdikafi Aaden Mohamed, a reporter from Puntland TV, highlighted the training’s focus on solutions through media reporting. He pledged to utilize the skills acquired to deliver impactful stories that shed light on solutions for local communities.
“Throughout the training, I was able to enhance my storytelling techniques and how to strategically select stories that deliver impactful narratives centered on solutions for local communities. This aspect holds utmost significance for me, and I am fully prepared to apply the skills acquired through the training,” Abdikafi added, “I extend my heartfelt appreciation to SJS and Medico International for providing me with this invaluable opportunity.”
Somalia ranks as the second most vulnerable country to climate change, with its susceptibility to extreme weather events. Political instability has hindered efforts to address the climate crisis and protect vulnerable communities. By mid-2023, it is estimated that over eight million Somalis, almost half of the country’s population, will experience crisis levels of food insecurity or worse.
Secretary-General Abdalle Mumin emphasized the crucial role of the media in improving the situation and saving lives, calling for sustained efforts and media participation.
Female journalist, Busharo Ali Mohamed (popularly known as Busharo Baanday) has been detained on Monday 15 May 2023 by Somaliland police. | PHOTO Credit/ Facebook.
MOGADISHU, Somalia 21 June 2023 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) calls on the Somaliland Office of Attorney General to immediately drop the unfounded charges and unconditionally release female journalist Busharo Ali Mohamed detained in Hargeisa.
On Tuesday 20 June 2023, Busharo (popularly known as Busharo Baanday) was presented at the Hargeisa Marodi Jeh Regional Court where the Office of the Attorney General brought three charges against her: Article 205 (Disclosure of Information the Divulgation of Which Has Been Prohibited); Article 212 (Anti-National Activity of a citizen Abroad) and Article 328 (Publication or Circulation of False, Exaggerated or Tendencious News Capable of Disturbing Public Order). All are derived from the outdated Somali penal code.
Busharo Ali Mohamed, a British-Somali citizen and a mother of one child, was detained without a warrant at the Wajale town border crossing on 15 May 2023. She was subsequently transferred to Hargeisa on 17 May 2023, where she remains in custody.
SJS is concerned about her safety and well-being, as she is being held incommunicado at Hargeisa Central Police Station with limited access to her family and legal representation. Despite requests for medical attention, she has been denied adequate healthcare, and her lawyers have confirmed that she is being held under harsh conditions. Scheduled to appear in court on 27 June 2023, Busharo’s upcoming hearing will mark the sixth time she has faced the court since her detention.
SJS expresses dismay over her continued incarceration and urged the Somaliland Office of the Attorney General to drop the baseless charges, allowing Busharo to be reunited with her family.
“We are deeply troubled by the ongoing detention of Busharo Ali Mohamed in Hargeisa. We call upon the Somaliland Office of the Attorney General to drop these weird charges and release Busharo immediately and unconditionally, enabling her to be reunited with her family,” said Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, the Secretary-General of SJS. “We also remind the Somaliland authorities, particularly the President, Interior Minister, and Police Commander, of their responsibility to cease targeting journalists for their critical reporting. Journalism is not a crime, and no journalist should face harassment or detention for carrying out their professional duties.”
In a positive development, SJS celebrates the release of journalist Khalid Yusuf Hassan from Eryal TV. Khalid had been detained by Somaliland police in Hargeisa on 13 June 2023 but was released without charges on Tuesday 20 June.
Eryal TV reporter, Khalid Yusuf Hassan (left) and freelance journalist, Busharo Ali Mohamed (right). | PHOTO Credit/ SJS/Combined.
MOGADISHU, Somalia 19 June 2023 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) calls for an end to the continuous suppression of journalists by federal and regional authorities, including Somaliland, and urges for the immediate release of all imprisoned journalists. We also call upon the authorities in Mogadishu and Jubbaland to halt their practice of using the fight against al-Shabaab as an excuse to target, detain, and intimidate journalists, both physically and online.
On 15 June 2023, Somaliland’s Maroodi Jeeh Regional Court has decided to extend the police custody of female journalist Busharo Ali Mohamed, (known as Busharo Baanday), who was arrested on 15 May at the Wajaale town while crossing the border from Ethiopia to Somaliland. This is the fifth appearance of the Somali-British journalist in the Hargeisa court since her initial presentation on 17 May. To date, no charges have been filed against her, and the Somaliland authorities have not provided a reason for her prolonged detention.
According to lawyers and colleagues, Busharo’s critical reporting on the declining state of democracy in Somaliland and her description of the current Somaliland leader as “autocratic” are believed to be factors contributing to her continued custody. SJS expresses deep concern over Busharo’s arbitrary and extended detention, as well as reports of her torture by the police, which has resulted in injuries to her face and right leg at the time of her arrest.
On 13 June 2023, Eryal TV journalist Khalid Yusuf Hassan was detained by Somaliland police in Hargeisa. Despite visits from his colleagues to the criminal investigation department in Hargeisa, the police have not disclosed the grounds for his detention, and no charges have been filed against him, according to journalists who spoke to SJS. Eryal TV has stated that they have not been informed of the reasons behind their colleague’s arrest.
Mohamed Kaafi Adan Bishaar, a correspondent for the Jubbaland State TV was detained in Luuq town in Gedo region.| PHOTO Credit/ Facebook.
On 8 June 2023, Security forces loyal to the Luuq District Commissioner in Somalia’s Gedo region Ali Kediye Mohamed detained Mohamed Kaafi Adan Bishaar, a correspondent for the Jubbaland State TV after he reported on local elders welcoming a new administration appointed by the Jubbaland authorities for the Gedo region. Mohamed Kaafi told SJS that he was held at the Luuq police station for three days before being released on 9 June without any charges filed against him. Prior to his arrest, armed individuals had also visited his residence. Due to safety concerns, Mohamed Kaafi has since fled the town.
On 5 June
2023, Armed men from the National Intelligence in Mogadishu detained freelance
journalist Abdirahman Ahmed Aden, who contributes for the The New Humanitarian.
Abdirahman told SJS that young NISA officers stopped him on the road on his way
to home. They blindfolded him, assaulted him with their pistol during the
interrogation, and revealed their intentions to target journalists affiliated
with international media, including him, and at one point threatening to kill
him. He was held at the Wadajir police station for eight hours that day as
confirmed by Abdirahman and a family member who visited him at the police
station. Following the terrifying ordeal, the journalist was released without
charges, but not before being cautioned that his journalistic activities would
be closely monitored.
On 4 June 2023, Deputy Minister of Information Abdirahman Yusuf Al-Adaala made a statement claiming that the Ministry of Information had reached an agreement with Facebook, granting authorities “the power to restrict coverage of content related to al-Shabaab on the social media platform”. Al-Adaala further disclosed that the national intelligence and other undisclosed entities are involved in this concerning collaboration. This announcement follows reports from several journalists who have informed SJS that their news content has been deleted or restricted on Facebook.
On 9 June 2023, A local TV director and a prominent online journalist also notified SJS that they received warnings regarding potential hacking or suspension of their Facebook pages after covering a widely shared incident of a physical attack on a young man with a disability by police officers in Mogadishu. Journalists in central Somalia have also told SJS that their content was removed after reporting allegations of sexual violence against women and girls by the armed militia. Journalists and media directors have expressed to SJS that the National Communications Authority of Somalia (NCA) is implicated in the censorship and blocking measures aimed at the journalists’ critical reporting.
On 29 May 2023, Jubbaland Minister of Information, Saleban Mohamed Mohamud, announced an oral order imposing additional limitations on local journalists, instructing them to cease providing neutral coverage of the war on al-Shabaab and instead “side with the government and promote government propaganda”. According to journalists who attended the meeting and media reports, the announcement was made during a meeting funded by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM). This move by the Jubbaland minister of information comes in the wake of a previous directive issued by the Federal Ministry of Information in October 2022, which imposed unlawful restrictions on independent media and journalists.
“We
are witnessing ongoing attacks on journalists in Mogadishu, Gedo, and
Somaliland, which are greatly impacting the operations of a free press in the
country. We strongly urge the Somaliland authorities to release journalist
Busharo Ali Mohamed and Eryal TV journalist Khalid Yusuf Hassan, who are
currently held in police custody,” said Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, the
Secretary-General of SJS.
“We also call on the authorities in Mogadishu and Jubbaland to immediately halt their practice of using the fight against al-Shabaab as an excuse to attack, detain, and harass journalists, both physically and online. Social media platforms like Facebook should not be utilized as tools to censor the crucial work of journalists, particularly those who provide critical coverage of the government amid the severe human rights violations perpetrated by all parties involved in the conflict in Somalia, including the Somali security forces, allied clan militias, and al-Shabaab,” added Mr. Mumin, “It is particularly concerning that journalists cannot investigate and report allegations of sexual violence against women and girls from the vulnerable communities living in the conflict-affected regions. Those responsible for these human rights violations, including attacks on journalists and other abuses, should not be shielded but must be exposed and held accountable, regardless of their position of power.”
SYL TV journalist Hussein Abdulle Mohamed (left) and online reporter Ahmed Said Ahmed (right). | PHOTO Courtesy/ SJS.
MOGADISHU, Somalia 25 May 2023 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) strongly condemns a recent surge in attacks including threats, intimidation, and even misuse of the prosecutor’s office against journalists who have been courageously reporting on allegations of corruption, injustices, and government officials’ wrongdoing in Mogadishu by the Office of the Attorney General, the Banadir Regional Court, and The Mogadishu Police Criminal Investigation Department and we call the police and the Attorney General’s Office to allow independent media to carry out their vital work unhindered.
On 10 May 2023, Police at the Criminal investigation Department (CID) summoned Ahmed Said Ahmed, an online reporter that also covers for Radio Kulmiye as news editor, according to the summon letter seen by SJS. Ahmed told SJS he was interrogated by police officer Hussen Aden Abdulle, the deputy commander of the CID about his investigative stories related to a government officials who reportedly vanished into foreign countries amid allegations of abuse of foreign visas. On 20 May, 2023, Radio Kulmiye, where Ahmed Said Ahmed confirmed their editor was summoned and interrogated by the criminal investigation department on 13 May, 2023 over complaints submitted by the unnamed government officials.
On 18 May 2023, Judge Salah Ali Mohamud, the chairman of the Banadir Regional Court in Mogadishu, launched a scathing verbal attack on journalists who were diligently reporting on corruption and injustices. Judge Salah not only pledged to suppress their reporting on issues pertaining to complaints about injustices in the country but also declared that criminal investigative agencies would initiate investigations against these journalists, accusing them of inciting ‘fitna‘ or civil strife—a label he deemed “a criminal act.”
On 20 May 2023, Office of the Somalia’s Attorney General summoned SYL TV journalist, Hussein Abdulle Mohamed where upon reaching was questioned by the government deputy attorney general, Mohamed Osman Mohamud about his recent reporting that exposed alleged corruption and power abuse involving the Attorney General Sulayman Mohamed Mohamud and another graft story implicating President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s family members. Hussein told SJS that after one hour of questioning, he was subsequently released, with a cautionary notice that he could be called in for further interrogation by the police at any given moment.
SJS is particularly concerned by the use of new tactics including police summoning and interrogations meant to threaten journalists investigating allegations of corruption and other wrongdoings by known government officials which poses a grave threat to press freedom. Threatening and silencing journalists undermines the trust between the people and their institutions. It perpetuates a culture of secrecy and shields those who engage in corruption or injustice from public scrutiny and it prevents the public from making informed decisions.
“Without the freedom for journalists to fearlessly cover state wrongdoings, the path to transparency, accountability, and justice becomes obscured. The role of journalists in holding power to account is vital for a functioning democracy, as they act as the watchdogs that keep the government in check,” SJS Secretary-General, Abdalle Ahmed Mumin said “When journalists are threatened by the court judge or summoned by prosecutors for simply reporting allegations of corruption and injustices, the very essence of these fundamental rights is at stake. Such actions not only suppress the truth but also hinder the pursuit of good governance.”
“We condemn these recent attacks against journalists Hussein Abdulle Mohamed and Ahmed Said Ahmed in the strongest terms possible. We urge the Somali Federal Government to hold officials involved in these attacks accountable,” Mr. Mumin added.
Female journalist, Busharo Ali Mohamed (popularly known as Busharo Baanday) has been detained on Monday 15 May 2023 by Somaliland police. | PHOTO Credit/ Facebook.
MOGADISHU, Somalia 18 May 2023 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) condemns the arbitrary detention of female journalist, Busharo Ali Mohamed, who is held at Hargeisa police station since Monday 15 May 2023 as we call for her immediate and unconditional freedom.
On Monday 15 May, 2023, Somaliland police arrested Busharo Ali Mohamed (popularly known as Busharo Baanday) at the Wajaale town, while crossing from Ethiopian side of the border to Somaliland. Security forces at the border reportedly tortured the journalist upon arrest and transferred her to a police custody in Hargeisa.
On Wednesday 17 May, 2023 Hargeisa based court remanded the female journalist to seven more days in the police custody, according to colleagues who visited her at the police station.
According to media reports and colleagues, Busharo, who also holds a British passport, has been critically covering Somaliland’s declining democracy, calling current Somaliland leader “an autocratic”.
SJS condemns in the strongest terms possible and calls for the Somaliland authorities to immediately and unconditionally free Busharo Ali Mohamed. Somaliland authorities should stop arbitrary detention and legal harassment aimed to censor journalists and instill fear among media practitioners.
Separately, SJS strongly condemns the new threats and intimidation by the office of the Somali Attorney General against SYL TV journalist Hussein Abdulle Mohamed who was summoned ‘for questioning’ by the Attorney General’s office following his report on alleged corruption and abuse of power by the by the Attorney General Sulayman Mohamed Mohamud. According to a letter signed by Deputy Attorney General, Mohamed Osman Mohamud on 16 May 2023 which SJS has reviewed, the journalist is expected to appear before the Prosecutor’s Office on Saturday 20 May.
SYL TV journalist Hussein Abdulle Mohamed (pictured) was summoned ‘for questioning’ by the Attorney General’s office on Tuesday 16 May 2023. | PHOTO Credit/ SJS.
“We strongly condemn the arbitrary detention and the beating of female journalist Busharo Ali Mohamed by Somaliland police. We call for her unconditional freedom without delay. No journalist should be detained for reporting critically on the political leaders in Somaliland. President Muse Bihi should instruct his police officers to stop targeting journalists critical to his administration,” SJS Secretary-General, Abdalle Ahmed Mumin said.
“The media should be able to investigate and expose those who abuse the power of the office and those who are characterized by corruption even if they are the most powerful officials. Journalists like Hussein Abdulle Mohamed should not be intimidated by the power of the law,” said Mr. Mumin “SJS will closely monitor the case of Hussein Abdulle Mohamed as we will stand by our colleague.”
Somali journalists at a press conference at SJS headquarters, Mogadishu, Somalia on 10 October 2022. | PHOTO Credit/SJS.
MOGADISHU, Somalia 3 May 2023 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) is yet alarmed by the continued attacks including threats, beating, arbitrary detention, obstruction from reporting public interest stories, which further puts the journalists and media workers at risk to report certain issues and as we reiterate our call to the Somalia authorities to respect the press freedom and give journalists a safe environment where they can report freely without fear of reprisals.
Celebrated every year on 3rd May, this year’s theme for the Day is “Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of expression as a driver for all other human rights”, signifying the enabling element of freedom of expression to enjoy and protect all other human rights.
Unfortunately, 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 and in this way, many stories with public interest went unreported.
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.
Lack of accountability for attacks against journalists is a serious and pervasive problem that threatens the protection of journalists and media workers in Somalia. 21 journalists have been attacked, arbitrarily detained or threatened for carrying out their duties including union officials from 1 January 2023 to 3 May, 2023. And yet the perpetrators are never held accountable.
On 1 May 2023, Three journalists working for the Shabelle Media Network and Universal TV were beaten and obstructed from exercising their journalistic duties after trying to cover a waste water from last week’s rain which harbour at a contaminated garbage site Fagah neighborhood in Mogadishu. Due to lack of proper drainage system, a heavy rainfall in Mogadishu resulted flooding and garbage seen in Mogadishu neighborhoods. The journalists accused director of the Sanitation department of the Banadir region Mohamed Suudi who ordered his guards to beat and obstruct the journalists from reporting. Among the journalists are Zakariye Ahmed Muse and Mahad Hasan Abdi Tawakal a reporter and a cameraman for the Shabelle Media Network and Abdirisak Mohamed Qoslaye, a cameraman from Universal TV. According to the Shabelle Media Network, the same official threatened their cameraman Abdifatah Rooble the previous day.
On 23 April 2023, Somaliland police in Erigabo, Sanaag region, detained Bulsho TV reporter Abdilatiif Said Asayr following his report on a statement by the Erigabo mayor, Ahmed Isdebar, who instructed local police to deal with and stop “intermingling of men and women in the tourist locations”. The journalist was freed on 24 April from the police custody without charge.
On 23 April 2023, Somaliland news site reported that a court order issued by the Marodi-Jeh District Court instructed local telecom companies to block access to the social media accounts such as Facebook, Youtube and Twitter belonging to several individuals including journalists and other critics. All of them have been publishing news and commentary articles about the Laascaanood conflict. The court order was issued in January 2023 but has not been implemented yet.
On 27 April 2023, Somaliland ministry of information said it has lifted the suspension of the BBC Somali Service broadcast, which the ministry imposed on 19 July, 2022. According to the Somaliland Minister of Information, Suleyman Yusuf Ali (Koore), the lifting of the suspension follows a series of meetings between Somaliland ministry of information and the BBC Somali Service representatives.
“Government officials should refrain from interfering, threatening and obstructing journalists’ work while on duty. We condemn any actions to threaten, harass and attack journalists in the strongest terms possible and we demand that those who involved in this latest attack to be held accountable for attacking journalists,” Mohamed Ibrahim, SJS President said, “Journalists work should be respected and regarded as positive contribution by shedding light on critical but important stories that the public has the right to know.”
“These attacks and vague directives from the Ministry of information led many journalists to flee the country and media houses to self-censor for fear of their safety, leading many important stories unreported,” Mr. Ibrahim added.
A photo shows Facebook's Community Standards page alongside a screenshot of journalist Zakariye Timacadde whose Facebook page was restricted after posting interview critical to Somali authorities. | PHOTO Credit/SJS.
MOGADISHU, Somalia 2 May 2023 – On World Press Freedom Day, the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) is concerned about the increasing use of Facebook Community Standards and mass reporting to suppress and censor Somali journalists whose reporting is deemed critical to the Somali government which resulted to content take down, restrictions of freedom of expression and deletion of social media accounts.
Ahead of WPFD2023, SJS interviewed nine online journalists and five local media stations who all described how their news content was censored, restricted, removed or made less visible through mass reporting by anonymous Facebook users. Some of the journalists and media stations we interviewed have reported that their pages were banned from posting, made to respond to fake copyright claims or their pages deleted for good as attackers exploit Facebook’s Community Standards in a devious tactic to suppress independent journalism.
Among the content targeted is articles, video interviews, news pieces and pictures critical to the Somali Federal Government, the Ministry of Information, the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) and the police. Journalists have also reported that mass reporting has led to the removal of news report that alleged the police commanders of wrongdoings including sexual violence against women and other abuses.
The diaspora-based Somali journalist Mohamud Mohamed Dahir (Mohamud Arab) was forced to remove his video interview on 10 April 2023 which became viral and exposed human rights violations in the Mogadishu detention centres run by NISA. According to Mohamud Arab and a review of Facebook After the journalist appealed against the decision, the interview was re-posted but with restrictions describing it as “dangerous content or dangerous individual.” The restriction has since been revoked due to a second appeal by the journalist.
A screenshot taken by journalist Mohamud Carab which states content take down by Facebook due to Facebook’s Community Standards.
“They [attackers] mass report almost every report I post on my Facebook page. This has led Facebook to take down some of my content and my account was flagged. When I appeal, Facebook does not respond quickly and it has made me to worry about what I can publish online,” Mohamud told SJS.
Mohamud and three other journalists were detained by the national intelligence in August 2014 for their critical reporting on authorities. They were freed on early 2015 and has decided to flee the country into exile.
Similarly, diaspora-based journalist Zakariye Timacadde has been repeatedly under attack since end of 2022 following his reporting on allegations of corruption, insecurity, sexual violence and power abuse by the Somali police and other powerful individuals at the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA). In mid April 2023, he received a message from Facebook notifying him that his “account is restricted at the moment”.
A screenshot taken by journalist Zakariye Timacadde which shows restrictions by Facebook on his content and his account was unpublished.
“When I fled the country due to my security, I decided to continue reporting what is happening in the country remotely. But now, like many other journalists, they started to attack me online,” Zakariye Timacadde told SJS.
Zakariye fled into exile in June 2019 after he faced threats for his reports on sensitive security issues by the national intelligence and al-Shabaab.
Another diaspora-based journalist Munasar Mohamed. On 27 April, he covered a leaked video exposing officials selling stolen food aid at a local market. His Facebook was then put on restriction to which he appealed to Facebook. Days earlier, he published a commentary video and on the same day Facebook removed the video as he received a notification from Facebook which states “this post may go against our guidelines on suggested content”.
A screenshot taken by journalist Munasar Mohamed which that the journalist’s content ‘goes against Facebook’s guidelines on suggested content’.
“It is endless. Every single day, I receive messages from Facebook indicating that my content goes against Facebook’s community standards even if I interview someone or post an article. This is a justification used to silence journalists like me,” Munasar told SJS.
On 5 October 2022, Nairobi-based journalist Bile Bashir Mehbub received a message from Facebook notifying him that his Facebook page “was not visible to people on Facebook” and that he could not use it. That was few days after posting a video interview with another journalist analyzing a bombing attack that killed former Banadir police commissioner, Farhan Qarole during an al-Shabaab attack on 30 September 2022. “I contacted Facebook but I have not received any explanation,” he told SJS. A month later Bile had created a new account under his name only to be suspended on 18 November 2022. A message from Facebook then said “We’ve suspended your account. It does not follow our Community Standards on account integrity and authentic identity.”
Screenshot taken by journalist Bile Beshir Mehbub informing him account suspension by Facebook in October and November 2022 as well as an email communication to Facebook by the journalist requesting assistance.
SJS Secretary of Information and Human Rights, Mohamed Ibrahim Bulbul, who also reports online was not spared. “I stopped covering issues related to al-Shabaab because of the fear that I will be targeted physically and online. Since October 2022, local journalists who report al-Shabaab related incidents are their online platforms such as their Facebook pages taken down or even hacked,” Bulbul said.
That is not the end, posting articles and videos that expose abuses committed by NISA including attacks against journalists can bear a high risk for journalists themselves and their online platforms. “Anything to do with insecurity, or attacks against journalists or even to call for accountability for crimes against journalists or other human rights violations will put your online platforms at risk,” he said.
Three other journalists Abdirahman Nuur Abukar, Mohamed Bashir and Khalid Foodhaadhi, and representatives from Risaala TV, and its sister radio Radio Risaala as well as Kaab Somali TV have told SJS that their content were similarly targeted leading to avoid criticism of the authorities.
On 23 April 2023, Somaliland news site reported that a court order issued by the Marodi-Jeh District Court instructed local telecom companies to block access to the social media accounts such as Facebook, Youtube and Twitter belonging to several individuals including journalists and other critics. All of them have been publishing news and commentary articles about the Laascaanood conflict. The court order was issued in January 2023 but has not been implemented yet.
“The use of mass reporting has caused journalists to worry about the type of content they can report because they feel it is not safe for them. We strongly condemn these type of suppression and censorship of journalists as the Somali authorities continuously abuse the reporting system of Facebook by giving false information because they know that Facebook’s computerized moderation and its algorithms will have difficulty in comprehending the Somali language which the content is reported,” SJS Secretary-General, Abdalle Ahmed Mumin said “This form of censorship is now having a huge impact on journalists and local media houses because it not only induces fear, it silences journalists and discredit them professionally.”
For majority of the content put on restrictions or removed, SJS has found that Facebook constantly categorized it as ‘Dangerous organisations and individuals’ which is part of Facebook’s six section Community Standards policy. A review done by Article19 in 2018 found that these Community Standards are not in line with international human rights law while Facebook has failed to to provide more information about the way in which those standards are applied in practice.
“Facebook and other social media companies should be more transparent and explain how they comply with various governments including the Somali authorities when it comes to censoring or banning content produced by journalists,” Mr. Mumin said. “We also urge Facebook to review its broad definitions of ‘terrorism’, ‘hate speech and incitement to violence’, or ‘content that is not allowed’. Facebook and other platforms should align their definition of ‘terrorism’ with that recommended by the UN Special Rapporteur on counter-terrorism. In particular, Facebook should avoid the use of vague terms such as ‘praise,’ ‘express support,’ ‘glorification’ or ‘promotion’.”
The journalists (from top right): Mohamud Abdirashid Sofeysane (5TV); Isaq Rashid (5TV); Qasim Ibrahim Adan (Risaala TV) and Mohamed Said Nur (Risaala TV), were held at the Hamar Jajab police station before they were later transferred to the regional police headquarters where they were held for half an hour. | PHOTO/ SJS Combined.
MOGADISHU, Somalia 17 April, 2023 – Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) is alarmed by the continued and endless attacks and other threats against journalists and media stations in Somalia as the perpetrators of these attacks continue their crimes with total impunity. SJS is calling for the Somalia authorities to respect the right to freedom f expression and press freedom, investigate press freedom violators and bring them to the courts of the law and give journalists safe environs where they are able to report freely and safely without fear of reprisals.
On 28 February 2023, During a meeting with local media directors, the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Mr. Hassan Moalin Mohamud together with the Permanent Secretary of the ministry Mr. Faysal Adan and the director of the Department of Communication and Awareness Ms. Ugbad Nor ordered the independent media to refrain from interviews and programs criticizing the government. According to journalists who attended the meeting, the Minister instructed the media to “stop discussing the persecution and targeting of SJS Secretary Abdalle Mumin” as the Federal Parliament begun debating Abdalle’s unlawful detention.
On 2 March 2023, Somali police at the Aden Adde International Airport, Mogadishu, briefly detained freelance photojournalist Said Yusuf Warsame who was invited to cover an event to the airport during the arrest. He was arrested at the Airport police station at 10:00am and was released at 1:30pm local time without charges.
Freelance journalist Said Yusuf Warsame. | PHOTO/Courtesy.
On 16 March 2023, al-Shabaab released a video message denouncing independent media, including some local press freedom organizations and journalists. The group described the free press as the “mouthpiece for the enemy propaganda” and blamed the local journalists and press freedom groups as “entities working for the interest of the foreigners”.
On 1 April 2023, Deputy minister of information, Abdirahman Yusuf Al-Adaala has ordered a local journalist from Bandhig Forum to halt “until further notice” a scheduled Twitter Space discussion on press freedom and human rights highlight the attacks and persecution against SJS Secretary-General Abdalle Ahmed Mumin. The journalist was among the organizers of the discussion which was scheduled on 5 April. The discussion was later held on time despite disruptions by notorious online trolls.
On 7 April 2023, Mahad Arab Dhiblawe, a national intelligence (NISA) officer operating at the Mogadishu Airport has started targeting SJS Secretary-General Abdalle Ahmed Mumin with threats of physical harm while in Nairobi. Mahad has also threatened journalists at the local media station, Risaala Media Corporation following the station’s broadcast of a lengthy interview with Abdalle Mumin.
On 8 April 2023, Somaliland’s deputy minister of information, Said Hassan Habane issued a directive which bans interviews and talk shows, among other issues, contrary to the culture, the good ethics and religion. This vaguely-worded directive which was sent to local media stations not only curtails the press freedom and the freedom of expression but it also instills fear among the journalists who are uncertain on what to report following the directive.
A screengrab from the 10 April 2023 interview of journalist Mohamud Arab with SJS Secretary-General Abdalle Mumin.
On 10 April 2023, Following his interview with SJS Secretary-General Abdalle Mumin, Europe-based Somali journalist Mohamud Mohamed Dahir (Mohamud Arab) was forced to remove his video interview which became viral and exposed human rights violations in the Mogadishu detention centres run by NISA. The interview was first published on a Facebook Page run by Mohamud Arab. After the journalist appealed against the decision, the interview was re-posted but with restrictions describing it as “dangerous content or dangerous individual.” The restriction has since been revoked due to a second appeal by the journalist. According to the journalist, the Meta decision came after the Somali ministry of information reported the interview as “a dangerous content.”
The journalists (from top right): Mohamud Abdirashid Sofeysane (5TV); Isaq Rashid (5TV); Qasim Ibrahim Adan (Risaala TV) and Mohamed Said Nur (Risaala TV), were held at the Hamar Jajab police station before they were later transferred to the regional police headquarters where they were held for half an hour. | PHOTO/ SJS Combined.
On 16 April 2023, Mogadishu police in Mogadishu arbitrarily detained four local journalists covering for Risaala Media Corporation and 5TV while reporting from the site of a bomb blast in Hamar Jajab neigborhood. The journalists: Mohamed Said Nur (Risaala TV), Qasim Ibrahim Adan (Risaala TV), Mohamud Abdirashid Sofeysane (5TV) and Isaq Rashid (5TV) were held at the Hamar Jajab police station before they were later transferred to the regional police headquarters where they were held for half an hour, according to the journalists and two editors of the affected media stations. The Banadir Regional Police Commissioner, Mahdi Omar Muumin (Mo’alin Mahdi), addressed the journalists to inform them that “the police banned any coverage related to bombing sites in the capital”.
The police commissioner further threatened that he is able to arraign the journalists to the court and charge them with serious crimes for reporting bombing in the capital. He admitted “The Information Ministry has been providing the police with information regarding journalists and media stations whose content is deemed critical.” The police freed all four journalists without charges and their equipment returned.
“The attacks against the press is at a very alarming rate with journalists across Somalia including Somaliland continue to face arrests, threats, intimidation and vague directive which aims to silence the journalists,” Mohamed Ibrahim, President of the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) said, “We condemn these violations in the strongest terms possible and call for the Somalia authorities to respect the press freedom, investigate and bring press freedom violators and bring them to the courts of the law and provide journalists safe environs where they can report freely and safely without fear of reprisals.”
