Deputy Minister Al-Adaala’s actions endanger the security of vulnerable journalists and pose a threat to media freedom in Somalia

By

-

February 10, 2025

Deputy Minister Abdirahman Al-Adaala threatens journalist Mohamed Abduqadir Hajir as he halts critical questioning during a press conference by government ministers in Mogadishu on Saturday, February 8, 2025. | PHOTO: Screengrab from RTN TV video clip/SJS.

MOGADISHU, Somalia 10 February 2025 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) strongly condemns the harassment, obstruction of access to information, and threats against journalists covering security and other public interest matters in Mogadishu. SJS calls for an immediate investigation into the actions of Somalia’s Deputy Minister of Information, Abdirahman Yusuf Omar Al-Adaala.

On Saturday, February 8, 2025, journalists from a dozen of media houses were invited to cover a joint press conference featuring Minister of Security General Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail Fartaag, Minister of Religious Affairs Mukhtar Robow Ali, and Attorney General Sulayman Mohamoud. During the briefing, RTN TV journalist Mohamed Abduqadir Hajir raised critical questions regarding the closure of major business hubs in Mogadishu due to escalating insecurity and alleged ‘extortion’, a concern publicly raised by the business community in a 7 February communiqué. This widespread market closure had paralyzed economic activity in the capital.

When RTN TV journalist Hajir directed his questions to the Minister of Security, Deputy Minister Al-Adaala interrupted with harassment and humiliation telling him publicly “to stop” and that he “should not ask such questions”. Shortly afterward, a security officer stepped forward, removed journalists’ microphones from the podium, and cut off the recording.

A security officer stepped forward, removed journalists' microphones from the podium, and cut off the recording. | PHOTO/Screengrab from RTN TV video clip. — A security officer stepped forward, removed journalists’ microphones from the podium, and cut off the recording. | PHOTO/Screengrab from RTN TV video clip.

This incident follows a pattern of intimidation against the same RTN TV journalist. Late January, Hajir and his team were harassed and threatened with detention after interviewing a police officer who spoke out about the demolition of his family’s home and his inability to relocate due to unpaid salaries. The police officer was among thousands of vulnerable residents at the ex-Carwada Qaranka site, Mogadishu, who were forcibly evicted by the government in collaboration with Premier Bank.

As a result of these threats, RTN TV was forced to delete the interview, although it was later republished by other platforms.

Similarly, Radio Risaala’s management informed SJS that their journalists have faced continuous threats and bans from public offices by Abdirahman Al-Adaala, who has abused his authority as Deputy Minister of Information. The Ministry of Information even refused to renew Radio Risaala’s registration, forcing the station to seek registration from another government ministry.

Additionally, the Somali Media Association, which represents 33 independent media houses nationwide, reported that Al-Adaala has targeted them with similar restrictions.

On 3 December, 2024, under Al-Adaala’s orders, the Director General of the Ministry of Information, Abdullahi Hayir Duale, mandated that all journalists working for international media outlets register with the ministry. This directive, framed as a “safety and security procedure,” was rejected by SJS and its members as a direct threat to independent journalists covering public interest issues, including security operations, human rights and corruption.

The repression of journalists under Al-Adaala’s leadership has extended to state media reporters as well. In April 2024, state media journalist and presenter Sugaal Moalim Mohamud was suspended, and his salary was halted in retaliation for his reporting on mismanagement and corruption within the Ministry of Defense. Sources within the ministry confirmed to SJS that the decision, carried out by Director General Duale, was ordered by Al-Adaala.

Similarly, in July 2024, state media journalist Abdulkadir Isse Ali was dismissed, blocked from accessing the state media, and had his salary cut after publishing a report exposing alleged fraud and corruption involving Al-Adaala. Days later, his Facebook account was restricted under a copyright claim, prompting SJS to intervene. Both Sugaal and Abdulkadir have previously received threats from Al-Shabaab due to their roles in state media, and their dismissal further endangered their safety.

The crackdown on press freedom is not new. In October 2022, officers from the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) raided the SJS office in Mogadishu and abducted SJS Secretary General Abdalle Mumin. This attack came after Al-Adaala issued a directive aimed at restricting media freedom, prompting SJS and four other press freedom organizations to voice their concerns, despite Al-Adaala threatening to target SJS in a phone call to the SJS leadership on the same day.

Since 2022, SJS has continued to recognize Abdirahman Al-Adaala as the worst violators of press freedom in Somalia, citing his ongoing threats, intimidation, and attacks, and calls for immediate accountability for his actions.

In July 2019, two non-profit media organizations had their names published online by the state media following a letter signed by Al-Adaala, accusing the institutions for “violating the national plan, public culture, religious and customs”.” This accusation of “violating religious customs” was enough to endanger the local staff of both organizations in Somalia. The two organizations later told SJS that they were forced to pay bribes to Abdirahman Al-Adaala, who was then acting director general of the Ministry of Information, in order to continue operating, despite being legally registered and the accusations being false. Eight days later, the Ministry of Information published another directive announcing its approval for the two organizations.

“We strongly condemn the actions of Somalia’s Deputy Minister of Information, Abdirahman Al-Adaala, and his ongoing efforts to stifle press freedom in the country. These continued attacks are not only a violation of journalists’ rights but also an affront to the truth and the public’s right to know. Al-Adaala’s actions are endangering the security of already vulnerable journalists and their families. We call for immediate accountability and demand that Al-Adaala be held responsible for his threats and actions against the media,” said SJS President Mohamed Ibrahim

“The Somali government must ensure that those who target journalists, like Al-Adaala, are held accountable, and the rights of the press are protected at all costs. We also call on the international community to hold Al-Adaala accountable and to support efforts to safeguard media freedom and human rights in Somalia,” added Mr. Ibrahim

Two journalists illegally held separately by NISA and clan militia freed

By

Admin

-

February 10, 2025

0

Journalists Sharif Abdi (pictured left, and Omar Guux (right) were freed after they were illegally held by NISA in Mogadishu and a clan militia in Lower Shabelle respectively. | PHOTO/SJS/ Courtesy.

MOGADISHU, Somalia 10 February 2025 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) is relieved that journalist Sharif Abdi, who was illegally detained by the Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) in Mogadishu, and Omar Yusuf Mohamed (Omar Guux), who was held by a clan militia in Lower Shabelle, have been freed and are now back with their families after enduring horrific experiences in detention.

On 9 February 2025, freelance journalist Sharif Abdi, who had been held without a court order by NISA since 25 January 2025, was released. Sharif was kidnapped from Mogadishu’s city center on the night of 25 January by armed NISA officers who tracked his phone, just hours after his home in Waberi district was raided.

He was held and interrogated at Godka Jilaow, NISA’s notorious torture and detention facility at Boondheere neighborhood. According to Sharif and other sources interviewed by SJS, his repeated interrogations focused on his critical reporting on Facebook, particularly posts criticizing NISA chief Abdullahi Mohamed Ali (Sanbalolshe) who holds Somali and British citizenship.

For 10 days, Sharif was confined in a narrow, dark, and hot cell with 20 other inmates, including Al-Shabaab suspects. After 10 days, NISA resumed questioning him, focusing on his recent posts about the NISA chief’s trip to the Hiiraan region, where inter-clan conflicts have affected local communities.

On Sunday afternoon, Sharif was called by officers who informed him that his detention was meant to “discipline him and make him soft so that he won’t write critically in the future.” NISA agents then drove him to the Habar Khadijo building in Shibis district, where he briefly met the NISA chief, Mr. Sanbalolshe. At the meeting, the NISA chief warned him against posting critically in the future before releasing him.

On Friday, 7 February, a government-affiliated clan militia in Lower Shabelle kidnapped journalist Omar Yusuf Mohamed (Omar Guux), who reports for Nabad Somali TV, a Facebook-based news platform. Omar was covering local community complaints about militia raids and detentions targeting civilians in and around KM50, Lower Shabelle region.

Omar Guux told SJS that he was locked in an abandoned makeshift house in KM50 before being freed late on the same Friday. He said the militia interrogated him about his report on the disappearance of a local clan elder, who was taken after the militia raided his home on 31 January.

SJS condemns these horrific attacks on journalists in Mogadishu and Lower Shabelle. We call on all parties to respect press freedom and the independence of journalists, including those exposing NISA’s abuses and the crimes of government-affiliated militias.

“The arbitrary detention and intimidation of journalists like Sharif Abdi and Omar Guux highlight the ongoing threats to press freedom in Somalia. No journalist should be kidnapped, tortured, or threatened for simply doing their job,” said SJS Secretary General, Abdalle Mumin.

“We strongly condemn these acts and demand accountability for those responsible. The authorities must take concrete steps to investigate these violations, hold the perpetrators—whether state security agents or clan militias—accountable, and ensure the safety of all journalists. Press freedom cannot exist where impunity prevails,” Mr. Mumin added.

Empowering Women Journalists: SJS completes training on security and human rights reporting

By

Admin

-

February 6, 2025

0

Training participants pose for a group photo during the end of the SJS women journalists training in Mogadishu on 30 January, 2025. | PHOTO/SJS.

MOGADISHU, Somalia – 6 February, 2025 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) has successfully concluded another round of training aimed at empowering women journalists in Somalia.

This initiative, supported by the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), seeks to enhance the skills and awareness of female reporters, particularly in documenting and reporting human rights issues.

Between January 29–30, SJS hosted 10 women journalists from Mogadishu, Hirshabelle, Southwest State, and the Gedo region for an intensive two-day workshop in Mogadishu.

The training focused on improving safety and security measures, producing high-quality journalism on gender-related issues, and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities.

Sawsar Sheikh Faadil, a journalist with RTN TV Mogadishu, highlighted the importance of the safety protocols covered during the training.

“For me, security was a major concern. As a female reporter who goes out every day in search of stories, I benefited greatly from learning the necessary safety and security protocols,” she said. “I am grateful to the trainers and hope for more training opportunities in the future.”

Sawsar Sheikh Faadil (left) receuves her certificate from SJS trainer Halima Abdullahi (right) during the end of a two-day journalists training in Mogadishu, on 30 January, 2025. | PHOTO/SJS.

SJS put significant effort into selecting participants who would benefit the most from this program, particularly those from marginalized communities and conflict-affected regions.

Overcoming Challenges in Conflict Zones

Kawsar Abdirahman Barkhadle, a reporter from Radio Gedo, traveled to Mogadishu for the training despite the ongoing conflict between Jubaland state authorities and the federal government. Her hometown, Beled-Hawo, like many in Gedo, remains under threat from Al-Shabaab militants, posing severe risks to journalists.

Being a female journalist comes with additional risks in Somalia’s patriarchal society, where women are often discouraged from pursuing male-dominated careers.

Kawsar Abdirahman Barkhadle, a reporter from Radio Gedo, traveled to Mogadishu for the training. | PHOTO/SJS.

“When I started as a radio presenter in 2021, my parents urged me to quit. Society still struggles to accept women in certain professions,” Kawsar explained. “This training equipped me with advocacy skills, and I urge SJS to expand these sessions to reach more women in remote areas.”

Nurto Mohamed Hussein, a Radio Warsan reporter from Baidoa, said the training allowed her to connect with other female journalists and exchange experiences.

“During the workshop, I networked with women reporters facing similar challenges—low pay, safety concerns, and working in male-dominated media houses,” Nurto said.

During the training, Nurto took the opportunity to interview fellow participants, documenting their struggles in a report later published by Kaab TV.

Nurto Mohamed Hussein, a Radio Warsan reporter. | PHOTO/SJS.

In addition to hands-on training, SJS mentors journalists in developing impactful stories about their communities. When newsroom editors dismiss such stories, SJS advocates for their publication.

“This training program has been one of our biggest achievements since 2021, thanks to CFLI’s continued support,” said SJS Secretary-General Abdalle Mumin. “Changing the status quo for women journalists takes time and persistence. That’s why we must sustain and build on these efforts.”

Women make up 20% of Somalia’s professional journalists and are among the lowest paid, often earning less than their male counterparts for equal work. Many lack essential skills such as video and audio editing and access to equipment like computers, cameras, and voice recorders, making them more vulnerable to exploitation including sexual advances and harassment.

“When we listen to our female trainees, they share painful experiences of harassment and challenges in performing their duties,” SJS Secretary General Mumin said. “That’s why SJS has rented a studio and provided equipment for women journalists to produce their own stories. We are proud to support vulnerable female reporters and will continue these efforts.”

Training participants engage a group discussion. |PHOTO/SJS.

A training participant makes presentation during the second day of the training. | PHOTO/SJS.

Training participants attend a session on day 1. | PHOTO/SJS.

NISA Chief must immediately free journalist Sharif Abdi from unlawful detention in Mogadishu

By

Admin

-

February 2, 2025

0

Journalist Sharif Abdi is detained without a court order by the Somali national intelligence agency (NISA) in Mogadishu since January 25. | PHOTO/Courtesy/SJS.

MOGADISHU, Somalia, 02 February, 2024 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) calls on Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) to release freelance online journalist Sharif Abdi, who has been detained without a court order by NISA since 25 January 2025.

On the night of Saturday, January 25, armed NISA officers raided the home of Sharif Abdi in Mogadishu’s Waberi district.

However, family members told SJS that the officers began tracking him after failing to find him at his residence.

Later that evening, NISA officers detained the journalist at another location far from his home.

A family member and one of Sharif’s colleagues told SJS that the NISA officers who detained him were using a mobile tracking device to locate him.

SJS has been informed that the journalist was taken to the notorious NISA detention and torture facility known as Godka Jila’ow in Mogadishu, where he is currently being held.

Family members attempted to visit him but were denied access, leaving them unaware of his safety and well-being.

Sharif, who uses Facebook for his reporting, primarily covers security operations in the Hiiraan region, central Somalia, where he hails from.

In his reports reviewed by SJS, Sharif has been critical of NISA Director Abdullahi Mohamed Ali (Sanbalolshe).

In his last report, published on Saturday, January 25, before his arrest, Sharif discussed the rift between the NISA chief and local clan elders in Hiiraan regarding a planned military operation against Al-Shabaab.

The region has recently witnessed increased inter-clan conflict amid the ongoing Al-Shabaab threat.

A government source told SJS that NISA officials were angered by the journalist’s report, prompting NISA Chief Mr. Sanbalolshe, who also doubles as a member of parliament, to order his arrest.

“We strongly condemn the unlawful and continued detention of journalist Sharif Abdi. His arrest is yet another attack on press freedom in Somalia and it poses a threat to wider journalist community who cover issues about security operations and the conflict,” said SJS Secretary General, Abdalle Mumin.

“We call on NISA officials to release Sharif Abdi unconditionally and to end their harassment of journalists who are critical of them and other government officials.”

SJS joins Casualty Recorders Network

By

Admin

-

January 31, 2025

0

MOGADISHU, Somalia, 31 January 2025 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) is pleased to announce its successful membership in the Casualty Recorders Network, a global community of organizations dedicated to documenting casualties.

As part of its commitment to human rights and press freedom in Somalia, SJS records casualties, including those of journalists.

By joining this global network of like-minded organizations, SJS aims to highlight the systematic attacks on freedom of expression and the broader human rights violations in the country. This includes shedding light, through SJS network of human rights journalists, on casualties among minority communities and marginalized groups, whose suffering often goes unreported.

SJS Secretary General Abdalle Mumin hailed this as a significant achievement for both SJS and the Somali journalism community in 2025.

“The Casualty Recorders Network serves as a vital platform for organizations to exchange knowledge, support one another, and collaborate on research and advocacy initiatives. By joining this network, SJS gains valuable opportunities to enhance its capacity while also amplifying the plight of journalists in Somalia, who endure persistent threats yet often go unnoticed,” said Mr. Mumin.

The Casualty Recorders Network members benefit from access to specialized resources, peer-to-peer training programs, expert-led webinars, and ad-hoc advisory support.

Additionally, they have opportunities to participate in Human Rights Council sessions and other United Nations events, facilitated by Every Casualty Counts, which holds ECOSOC Special Consultative Status.

One of the network’s primary objectives is to enhance the quality and impact of casualty recording efforts worldwide by promoting standardized methods for documenting and verifying casualty data—an area in which SJS is actively striving for improvement.

“By highlighting these violations, SJS seeks to amplify the voices of the media community and those who are often overlooked. We are pleased to join the Casualty Recorders Network and look forward to making meaningful contributions,” Mr. Mumin concluded.

Somaliland releases journalist Shafi’i Shaaciye after a week in detention

By

Admin

-

January 22, 2025

0

Jjournalist Shafi’i Abdi Mohamed (commonly known as Sha’iye), who had been detained in Hargeisa since Thursday, 16 January 2025. | PHOTO/ SJS / Courtesy.

MOGADISHU, Somalia, 22 January 2025 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) welcomes the release of journalist Shafi’i Abdi Mohamed (commonly known as Shaaciye), who had been detained in Hargeisa since Thursday, 16 January 2025.

On 16 January, Shaaciye, a journalist known for his critical posts about Somaliland authorities on Facebook, was arrested upon his return to Hargeisa from Mogadishu, where he had resided for a year.

Local journalists informed SJS that Somaliland police raided his home and arrested him following orders from Somaliland Police Commander Mohamed Adan Saqadhi.

Somaliland police officials have not commented on the circumstances surrounding Shaaciye’s detention.

Shaaciye had previously fled Hargeisa, citing threats from Somaliland’s national intelligence due to his critical posts. He spent nearly a year in Mogadishu.

During his time in Mogadishu, Shaaciye continued his journalistic work, frequently posting on Facebook and other platforms, including reports highlighting police corruption and public complaints about the Somaliland police commander.

On 18 January, Shaaciye was reportedly brought before the Maroodi Jeh Court in Hargeisa, where his detention was extended for a week.

On Wednesday, 22 January, he was released from police custody after the intervention of clan elders and on a condition that he refrains from criticizing the police, local journalists and a family member told SJS.

SJS expresses relief at Shaaciye’s release and calls on Somaliland President Abdirahman Abdillahi Irro to ensure that security officials refrain from targeting journalists and media workers who critique the government.

“While we welcome Shaaciye’s release, we strongly condemn the raid on his home and his unjust detention on 16 January, which caused him to spend a week in custody,” said SJS Secretary General Abdalle Mumin.

“Since President Abdirahman Irro’s election victory in November last year, there has been a sense of renewed freedom and safety among journalists and others who had previously fled Somaliland. It is crucial for Somaliland authorities to uphold this atmosphere and honor the president’s campaign promise that no one would be targeted for exercising their freedom of expression,” Abdalle Mumin added.

SJS and SOMWA condemn NISA attack on female journalist Shukri Aabi and cameraman Ali Hassan Guure in Mogadishu

By

Admin

-

December 19, 2024

0

Shukri Aabi Abdi (left) Ali Hassan Guure (right). | PHOTO Combined/SJS.

MOGADISHU, Somalia, 19 December 2024 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) and the Somali Media Women Association (SOMWA) strongly condemn the physical attack resulting injuries of female journalist Shukri Aabi Abdi and the detention of her cameraman, Ali Hassan Guure, by officers of the Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) in Mogadishu on Tuesday, 17 December 2024.

Shukri Aabi Abdi and her cameraman from Risaala Media Corporation were reporting on a public protest in the Daljirka area of Mogadishu when they were physically assaulted by the NISA officers. The officers grabbed Ali’s camera and briefly detained him before deleting all footage of the protest.

At the same time, three NISA officers assaulted Shukri, beating her and drawing their pistols. Shukri stated that she was dragged, her headscarf stripped off, kicked, and beaten with verbal threats in the middle of the street before a group of local women intervened to rescue her.

She sustained bruises to her arms and neck.

1 of 4

Shukri was taken to the hospital for treatment, but the officers responsible for the attack have not been arrested and remain at large. Cameraman Ali Hassan Guure was later released after the footage on his camera was deleted.

SJS and SOMWA strongly condemn this physical attack and call for urgent action against the officers responsible for the assault on Shukri Aabi Abdi and Ali Hassan Guure. The perpetrators’ faces can be seen in a video recording obtained by SJS and SOMWA.

“We strongly condemn the brutal physical attack on our colleague journalist Shukri Aabi Abdi and her cameraman, Ali Hassan Guure, by officers of the NISA in Mogadishu on Tuesday. This attack on journalists is a direct violation of press freedom and human rights,” said SJS Secretary General, Abdalle Mumin “We demand immediate accountability for those responsible.”

“The attack on Shukri Aabi Abdi, a brave female journalist, is a direct assault on press freedom and the rights of women in Somalia. We condemn this attack in the strongest terms and demand immediate action against the perpetrators,” said SOMWA Executive Director, Maryan Seylac “This violent act is an alarming pattern of violence faced by women journalists in Somalia. The Somali government must prioritize the safety of journalists, especially women, and take decisive steps to ensure that those who target them are held accountable.”

SJS interactive panel discussion on human rights brings together defenders and police in Puntland

By

Admin

-

December 14, 2024

0

SJS hosts a panel discussion on human rights in Garowe, Puntland, on 10 December 2024. | PHOTO/SJS.

GAROWE, Somalia 13 December 2024 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) commemorated Human Rights Day with an interactive panel discussion in Garowe, Puntland’s capital, focusing on pressing human rights challenges in Somalia.

The event, inaugurated by the Minister of Justice of Puntland, H.E. Mohamed Abdiwahab, brought together representatives from diverse sectors, including the Puntland Police, the Puntland Media Association (MAP), human rights defenders, Midnimo Women Network, and the Puntland Non-State Actors’ Association (PUNSA).

H.E. Mohamed Abdiwahab highlighted Puntland’s progress in advancing human rights through legislative reforms and institutional strengthening.

“Somalia has yet to fully learn from the violations of the past, such as killings and detentions that defied human rights principles. However, in Puntland, we have made significant strides. We have enacted human rights laws, implemented child protection legislation, and strengthened judicial institutions to safeguard citizens’ rights,” he stated.

Puntland police officer, Abdi Darwiish speaks during SJS panel discussion in Garowe, 10 December, 2024. | PHOTO/SJS.

Emphasizing democratic participation as a fundamental right, the minister added, “We have entrusted Puntland’s future to its citizens through elections, allowing them to exercise their voice and take part in decision-making. Puntland remains committed to defending and promoting human rights.”

Naimo Muse Elmi, Secretary of MAP, emphasized the pivotal role of the media in advocating for human rights.

“All people are equal; no one is superior in dignity or honor to another. The media has a duty to uphold this principle. I commend the Puntland media for their prominent role in defending human rights,” she remarked.

SJS panel brings together police and defenders in Puntland on 10 December, 2024. | PHOTO/SJS.

SJS Secretary of Information and Human Rights, Mohamed Bulbul, speaking at the panel stressed the importance of protecting journalists within the broader human rights context.

“Journalists in our country play a crucial role in defending human rights, and this contribution is visible. Society must recognize that defending journalists is equivalent to defending the public interest and all other rights,” he stated.

The panel also addressed the challenges faced by marginalized groups, particularly women, in Puntland. Ifrah Abdi Nur from Midnimo Women Network highlighted the severe underrepresentation of women in politics.

“The violations we face are numerous, but one of the most glaring issues is the lack of women’s participation in politics. For instance, there is only one woman in the current Puntland Parliament, which itself is a violation of equal representation in the government,” she said.

Said Mumin, from Puntland Human Rights Defenders, outlined persistent human rights abuses in the region.

A participant raises question during SJS panel discussion on human rights in Garowe, Puntland, 10 December 2024. | PHOTO/SJS.

“Violations such as sexual violence, torture, killings, and human trafficking remain prevalent. Citizens are often denied their basic rights, and addressing these issues requires collective action from both the government and society,” he explained.

Puntland police officer, Abdi Darwiish, reaffirmed to the panel that the government’s dedication to upholding human rights in Puntland.

“Puntland is not among the regions where gross violations occur rampantly. The rule of law and judicial processes are functional here. However, there remains much issues to address, especially in cases involving human rights abuses in Puntland,” he noted, “As the police in Puntland We are working to improve the situation of the human rights.”

Participants from various sectors of the society—including journalists, representatives of the internally displaced community, women’s groups, youth representatives, police, human rights activists, and business leaders—raised critical questions about the state of freedoms in Puntland.

Key issues discussed included arbitrary detentions of government critics, including journalists, the stigmatization of people living with HIV, lack of access to education for the displaced people, and discrimination against minority groups and women in employment opportunities.

SJS Secretary General Abdalle Mumin thanked the Puntland police and civil society members who participated in the panel discussion, which was also broadcast on local media, for their openness in addressing challenging questions from the public.

“I thank everyone who participated in the panel discussion. Indeed, when people come together and have the ability to discuss important issues affecting their community, it brings a sense of cohesion, unity, and healing. I hope the Puntland government will address the key issues raised during the discussion, and that we will see closer cooperation between the government and its people to improve the human rights situation,” Mr. Mumin added.

Participants from various sectors of society—including journalists, representatives of the IDP community, women’s groups, youth representatives, police, human rights activists, and business leaders—raised critical questions about the state of freedoms in Puntland. | PHOTO/SJS.

The event, supported by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), concluded with a call for strengthened collaboration among stakeholders to address human rights challenges, ensuring justice, equality, and dignity for all citizens in Puntland and Somalia.

International Human Rights Day 2024 and the launch of the Baraarug Campaign

By

Admin

-

December 11, 2024

0

Performers staged a Somali art play as part of the launch of the Baraarug campaign in Mogadishu on December 10, 2024. | PHOTO/SJS.

MOGADISHU, Somalia, 11 December 2024 – On December 10, 2024, the global observance of International Human Rights Day was marked by the official launch of the Baraarug digital campaign (#WakeUp) in Somalia. Baraarug is an initiative aimed at amplifying civic rights awareness and promoting freedom of expression, especially among youth and women.

The launch event, led by Minister of Security of the Somali Federal Government, Gen. Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail (Fartaag), signaled a critical step toward fostering inclusive civic engagement and addressing key human rights challenges in Somalia.

“Today, we are here for the launch of the Baraarug campaign. I thank the organizers of this campaign, which is intended as a wake-up call for human rights issues,” the minister said.

“Fellow brothers and sisters, and all the guests here, I want to speak a little bit about human rights, which are of huge importance in Islam. Islam has protected human rights, and our decent Somali culture guarantees these rights.”

The Minister of Security of the Somali Federal Government, General Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail (Fartaag), delivered the opening remarks at the launch of the Baraarug campaign in Mogadishu on December 10, 2024. | PHOTO/ SJS.

“This is especially important as we have a long-standing tradition of protecting vulnerable people, known as Barimageydo, during clan conflicts. We pledge to uphold human rights,” the minister added, emphasizing the need to address abuses affecting women, journalists, and minorities.

The Baraarug campaign, organized by the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) in collaboration with Somali civil society groups, seeks to leverage digital platforms and artistic expression to highlight barriers faced by Somali youth and women in exercising their civic rights.

The initiative aligns with the Dutch Human Rights Policy by focusing on civic awareness, freedom of expression, and gender equality—fundamental elements of democratic accountability and engagement.

Through its key activities, the digital campaign empowers youth and women with platforms to express their voices, raises awareness about civic rights, and mobilizes public and international solidarity.

The launch of the campaign featured diverse elements, including live cinema screenings, cultural performances, and an interactive panel discussion. Influencers, artists, and activists contributed to this dynamic dialogue, ensuring widespread reach and impact.

SJS Secretary General Abdalle Ahmed Mumin noted that the Baraarug campaign, which also includes the production of two radio podcasts every month, will address key issues affecting Somali citizens, with a special focus on women, youth, and freedom of expression in Somalia.

“I want to thank all my team members, our friends and partners from civil society, community leaders, minority groups, women, and youth for the incredible support and reception they have offered us since the beginning of this program. Our campaign is committed to amplifying the voices of youth and women in Somalia to promote awareness and understanding of civic rights and freedoms,” Mr. Mumin said.

The campaign’s hashtag, #Baraarug, energized online participation, encouraging citizens to share stories and advocate for change.

The Baraarug digital campaign highlights the transformative potential of digital and art-led approaches in addressing systemic challenges, such as limited access to civic spaces and security concerns.

Diini Mohamed Diini, the former chair of the Somali Non-State Actors among panelists during the launch of the Baraarug campaign in Mogadishu on December 10, 2024. | PHOTO/SJS.

By inspiring action and fostering dialogue, this initiative aims to promote a more inclusive and equitable society where the voices of all Somali citizens—especially youth and women—contribute to the nation’s progress and resilience.

The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Somalia remarked:

‘’Human rights are not just ‘nice to have’ – they are the basis of human wellbeing, equality, dignity and freedom. All around the world, even the most basic rights are under pressure due to conflict, climate change, and oppression. On Human Rights Day, we remember the vital importance of upholding human rights for all people, everywhere.”

The launch of the campaign featured diverse elements, including live cinema screenings, cultural performances. | PHOTO/SJS.

Follow Updates about #Baraarug on social media: Facebook, X. Tiktok, Youtube, Instagram.

Visit Baraarug website: www.sjsyndicate.org/baraarug

Hadday dowladd dhageysan weyso aragtiyaha dhallinyarada iyo haweenka, Xalal kale ayaa jira #Baraarug

By

Admin

-

December 4, 2024

0

Deputy Minister Al-Adaala’s actions endanger the security of vulnerable journalists and pose a threat to media freedom in Somalia

Two journalists illegally held separately by NISA and clan militia freed

Empowering Women Journalists: SJS completes training on security and human rights reporting

Overcoming Challenges in Conflict Zones

NISA Chief must immediately free journalist Sharif Abdi from unlawful detention in Mogadishu

SJS joins Casualty Recorders Network

Somaliland releases journalist Shafi’i Shaaciye after a week in detention

SJS and SOMWA condemn NISA attack on female journalist Shukri Aabi and cameraman Ali Hassan Guure in Mogadishu

SJS interactive panel discussion on human rights brings together defenders and police in Puntland

International Human Rights Day 2024 and the launch of the Baraarug Campaign

Hadday dowladd dhageysan weyso aragtiyaha dhallinyarada iyo haweenka, Xalal kale ayaa jira #Baraarug

About Us

Quick Links

Support Our Work