End Impunity Day: SJS joins journalists in Galkayo to honor fallen colleagues and demand justice

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November 2, 2024

COVER: International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists 2024. | PHOTO/ SJS.

MOGADISHU, Somalia, 2 November 2024 – On this International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) renews its call for justice and accountability for journalists murdered in Somalia, and demands an independent and honest investigation to end the impunity for crimes against the media professionals in the country.

SJS emphasizes that ending impunity for crimes against journalists—whether the perpetrators are government officials, powerful clan militia groups, or al-Shabaab—remains essential to ensuring journalists’ safety and improving Somalia’s global reputation, currently among the worst for unsolved journalist murders.

Since SJS began tracking crimes against journalists in 2019, 12 journalists (two females and ten males) have been killed for their profession as journalists. Today, we honor their memories:

Mohamed Omar Sahal – Killed in Kismayo, 12 July 2019
Hodan Naleyeh – Killed in Kismayo, 12 July 2019
Abdinasir Abdulle Ga’al – Killed in Awdhegle, 14 August 2019
Said Yusuf Ali – Killed in Mogadishu, 4 May 2020
Abdiwali Ali Hassan (Abdiwali Online) – Killed in Afgoye, 16 February 2020
Abdiaziz Mohamud Guled – Killed in Mogadishu, 20 November 2021
Jamal Farah Adan – Killed in Galkayo, 1 March 2021
Mohamed Isse Koonaa – Killed in Mogadishu, 29 October 2022
Ahmed Mohamed Shakur – Killed in Basra (Middle Shabelle), 30 September 2022
Abdifatah Moalim Nur (Qeys) – Killed in Mogadishu, 16 October 2023
Abdikarin Ahmed Bulhan – Killed in Abudwaq, 14 March 2024
Amun Abdullahi Mohamed – Killed near Afgoye, 18 October 2024

Tragically, over 85 journalists– both local and international journalists – were murdered in Somalia since 1992, with most cases unsolved, leaving their families in prolonged grief. Mogadishu, Somalia’s capital and the federal government seat, leads with 85% of these murders, followed by Galkayo, a city divided between Puntland and Galmudug administrations in the Mudug region.

Today, in solidarity with the local media community, SJS joins journalists and the families of fallen colleagues in Galkayo to honor those lost and reinforce the call to end impunity. In conjunction, SJS has released a documentary highlighting Galkayo’s ongoing pain, as journalists and families continue to grapple with these losses.

Hussein Abdi Jim’ale Madar, a journalist with Radio Daljir, narrates the trauma and agony he carries following the killing of three colleagues.

Hussein Abdi Jim'ale Madar, a journalist with Radio Daljir. | PHOTO/SJS. — Hussein Abdi Jim’ale Madar, a journalist with Radio Daljir. | PHOTO/SJS.

“I still feel the pain and feel traumatized. The three colleagues who were killed are still in my memory. There was a time when I nearly wanted to quit this job, but I later decided to carry on. I want to call on the government to document all journalists killed and provide care for their families,” Hussein Madar said.

Galkayo police operations commander, Capt. Arab Abdirisaq Ahmed, told SJS that despite the impunity, Galkayo journalists feel safer than they were a decade ago.

“Journalists were killed, as were government officials. Some of the killers, who were members of Al-Shabaab, were arrested, sentenced, and executed. However, despite the impunity, I can say it is better than it was ten years ago,” Capt. Arab said, noting a close collaboration between the Puntland police in Galkayo and the local media houses and their journalists.

He said the police now respond to any reports of threats against journalists, despite the limitations of the capacity of the police.

Galkayo police operations commander, Capt. Arab Abdirisaq Ahmed. | PHOTO/SJS.

Since 2021, SJS has provided ongoing professional training to improve the safety and security of local journalists, both men and women, in both sides of Galkayo. SJS is gratified that these trainings have contributed to enhancing the safety of media workers.

“Six years after we began documenting attacks on journalists in Somalia, we return to Galkayo—a city notorious as the second deadliest for journalists after Mogadishu. Through interviews and visits to the media outlets where these journalists once worked, we witnessed the lingering pain and grief of their colleagues and families,” said SJS Secretary General Abdalle Mumin.

“On this day, we underscore our call to end impunity for all journalists murdered in Somalia and to allow the victims’ families the justice they deserve. Each fallen journalist deserves a thorough and impartial investigation, regardless of who is implicated, including government officials, al-Shabaab, or other criminals,” added Mr. Mumin.

Note: After six years of manual documentation, SJS is grateful for the support it has received from the National Endowment for Democracy, which has enabled SJS to launch an online database for documenting violations of media freedom in Somalia and Somaliland. Visit data.sjsyndicate.org.

Local journalists in Hirshabelle trained by SJS to enhance climate change reporting and advocacy

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October 26, 2024

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Journalists in Beledweyne gather for a group photo after completing a three-day SJS training on climate change reporting. | PHOTO/SJS

MOGADISHU, Somalia, 26 October 2024 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) has completed another round of training to enhance climate change reporting and promote climate justice for journalists in Somalia’s Hirshabelle State.

The three-day program held in Beledweyne, Hiiraan region of Hirshabelle State from 20th – 22nd October, 2024, involved 15 local journalists. The training focused on climate-focused journalism, aiming to raise awareness among local communities in the region.

Beledweyne and Jowhar, the two main cities of Hirshabelle State, along with nearby towns, are among the areas hardest hit by recent floods, which have displaced thousands of families and severely disrupted lives. In December last year, NGOs reported that 90% of Beledweyne’s residents were displaced by flooding. In Jowhar, 77,000 people were displaced, with the city being one of the areas most affected by El Niño-related flooding. Although Hirshabelle is rich in agricultural land due to its riverine geography, recurrent droughts and flooding have forced communities into constant displacement.

Rowda Hussein Ali, a journalist with HiranWeyn Radio in Beledweyne, shared her perspective: “This is my first-ever training on climate change. Although I was born here and have lived through various humanitarian crises and flooding events, I didn’t have much understanding about climate justice or the critical role of journalists in raising awareness about these issues,” Rowda said.

Rowda Hussein Ali, a journalist with HiranWeyn Radio in Beledweyne, speaks to SJS after completing a three-day training on climate change reporting. | PHOTO/SJS.

Another participant, Sadia Osman Abdi from Wadani FM, noted, “This training was particularly important for me as I am now equipped to engage in discussions seeking solutions for my community. Last year, my family and I fled our home after our neighborhood, Bundo Weyn, was severely flooded with water from the Shabelle river. All our neighbors were displaced, and the area we fled to became overcrowded, leading to disease outbreaks and surges in food prices due to disrupted supply chains. This made me to think about how best we can address this problem. I think my role is to raise the awareness over and over.”

Women journalists like Rowda and Sadia face additional challenges in a patriarchal society whenever they report on climate issues. They are often told that “women should stay home and serve the family, not speak on the radio.” They now want that culture to end.

Sadia Osman Abdi from Wadani FM speaks to SJS after completing a three-day training on climate change reporting. | PHOTO/SJS.

“We all face the same problems of climate change, and we must remember that there are women-headed households who want to be part of the discussion. I want to tell my community that we must work together as one, without the stereotypes surrounding our genders,” added Rowda.

During the training, however, SJS mentors encouraged both male and female journalists to contribute equally to discussions, fostering a supportive environment for women’s voices.

“While the climate crisis significantly impacts communities in this region, armed conflict and terror-related violence also persist, affecting locals,” said SJS Secretary General Abdalle Mumin. “This training not only equipped local journalists with new skills but also provided an opportunity for them to discuss and strategize on how to better report on climate impacts and advocate for climate justice.”

Journalists engage discussion during SJS journalistic training on climate change in Beledweyne. | PHOTO/ SJS.

Mr. Mumin added, “Effective media reporting can save lives and is part of the solution. We are grateful to Medico International for supporting this initiative, enabling us to train 30 local journalists—both men and women—on this critical topic affecting communities here.”

The injustice of climate change disproportionately affects vulnerable groups in Somalia, including women, children, and rural communities. These impacts extend beyond daily life, affecting security, the economy, and social cohesion.

“Half of the communal conflicts in Somalia are linked to resource disputes over grazing land, water, and food. This underscores that climate change is impacting peace and stability, which is why it is essential for local media to be part of the solution,” Mr. Mumin concluded.

Somali-Swedish journalist Amun Abdullahi who investigated al-Shabaab recruitment shot dead in Somalia

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October 26, 2024

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Somali-Swedish award-winning journalist, Amun Abdullahi Mohamed. | PHOTO/Facebook.

MOGADISHU, Somalia, 26 October 2024 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) strongly condemns the killing of an award-winning Somali-Swedish woman journalist Amun Abdullahi Mohamed in a small village in Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region on Friday, 18 October, and demands a full investigation into the incident.

According to local journalists and a security source, Amun Abdullahi Mohamed was shot multiple times in the head by two gunmen suspected to be al-Shabaab militants as she walked to her sorghum and watermelon farm in Abdula Biroole village on Friday. Abdula Biroole, a village under the jurisdiction of the Afgoye district, Lower Shabelle region, is approximately 40 km (24 miles) southwest of the Somali capital, Mogadishu.

Local journalists, who spoke to SJS on condition of anonymity for fear of safety, said that Amun was approached by two men with AK-47s who had covered their faces, confirmed her name, and then fired multiple shots at her head, killing her instantly.

A security official in Afgoye district told SJS that the assailants were al-Shabaab militants and that authorities are aware the area is under the control of the militants.

“No police were sent to the area as it was not safe for them,” the officer said.

Amun, 49 years old, relocated from Sweden and resettled in the small rural village, where she lived with her extended family members. She also started a farming project producing sorghum and watermelon, which provided employment for locals. A local journalist told SJS that she also cared for extended family members who live in the village.

Amun’s journalism gained prominence in the early 1990s after she fled Somalia and sought asylum in Sweden, where she worked for the Swedish Somali language radio (Sveriges Radio). In 2010, she received the Swedish Publicist Club’s Freedom of Speech Award in memory of Anna Politkovskaya. This recognition followed her groundbreaking investigative journalism exposing al-Shabaab’s recruitment of young people from the Stockholm suburb of Rinkeby to fight in Somalia. Amun’s investigative reporting led to her receiving death threats, according to colleagues who worked with her and news reports.

Despite these threats, Amun chose to resettle in Somalia a few years ago, ultimately settling in Lower Shabelle. Local officials in Afgoye confirmed that no investigation has begun yet.

Amun is the second journalist killed in Somalia in 2024 after the killing of journalist Abdikarin Ahmed Bulhan in March, and the fifth journalist killed in recent years in Lower Shabelle, one of the most dangerous places for journalists, according to documentation by SJS and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Previous cases include:

On 16 February 2020, freelance TV and radio journalist Abdiwali Ali Hassan (known as Abdiwali Online) was shot dead in Afgoye town by gunmen.
On 14 August 2019, Abdinasir Abdulle Ga’al, a camera journalist with Somali National Army Radio, was killed in a car bomb attack by al-Shabaab at an army base in Awdheegle.
On 27 October 2018, Abdullah Mire Hashi, a journalist with Radio Darul Sunnah, was gunned down by armed assailants in Elasha Biyaha, a suburb of Afgoye.
On 1 January 2009, local radio journalist Hassan Mayow Hassan was killed in Afgoye town by gunmen.

SJS calls for a full investigation into the killing of Amun Abdullahi Mohamed to bring the perpetrators to justice. We urge Somali authorities to initiate an investigation into those responsible for Amun’s death. We also call on the Swedish government to support efforts to investigate and apprehend the killers so they can be held accountable. We mourn with Amun’s family and community as they go through this difficult time, and we pray for strength and comfort for them. Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. (Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed, to Him we will return.)

“Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. We are indeed shocked by the assassination of yet another journalist in Somalia. We condemn in the strongest terms the brutal killing of Amun Abdullahi Mohamed. Amun, who lived in Sweden decided to return to her home country despite the reported death threats she faced. After he return she contributed to her community through a farming project that helped not only those around her but the community as well,” said SJS Secretary General Abdalle Mumin.

“We urge Somali authorities to conduct a swift and thorough investigation to bring those responsible to justice. This tragedy underscores the urgent need for greater protections for journalists across Somalia, as only by ending the impunity for crimes against journalists can we ensure their safety. Therefore, we call upon all stakeholders, including Somali authorities and the international community, to stand with us in demanding accountability and safeguarding journalists in Somalia,” Mr. Mumin adds.

Risaala Media’s senior journalist abducted from his home in Mogadishu

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October 18, 2024

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Abduqadir Mohamed Nur (known as Jakarta). PHOTO Credit/ Risaala TV.

MOGADISHU, Somalia 18 October 2024 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) condemns the unlawful raid and abduction of SJS member journalist Abduqadir Mohamed Nur (Jakarta), who was forcibly taken from his home in Boondheere district by armed personnel from the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) in the early morning of Friday 18 October, according ti family members and the management of Risaala Media Corporation.

According to the director of Risaala Media Corporation, Mohamed Abduwahab Abdullahi, armed men from NISA arrived at the journalist’s house at around 3:00 AM on Friday, 18 October, and kidnapped the journalist. A family member saw two NISA officers enter the house and handcuffed the journalist, while several others were stationed outside in a Toyota 4WD vehicle equipped with machine guns.

The men who entered the journalist’s house confiscated the journalist’s phone and his personal laptop, Risaala Media Corporation’s director told SJS.

“The management of Risaala Media condemns the abduction and unlawful actions taken against journalist Abduqadir Mohamed Nur (known as Jakarta) and demands his immediate release,” said Risaala Media’s general director, Mohamed Abduwahab.

On Friday morning, SJS was informed by a security source that the journalist was held in the notorious Godka Jila’ow, a torture and detention facility run by NISA in Mogadishu.

NISA officials did not, however, respond to SJS calls seeking response on the abduction of the journalist and the raid on his house.

Risaala Media Corporation, which operates Radio Risaala and its affiliated Risaala TV, has been a critical voice regarding Somali security services in Mogadishu and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration. In the past several of Risaala journalists and staff were detained, as per SJS documentations.

This brazen attack against the Risaala Media Corporation journalist in the safety of his home, in the middle of the night, in the presence of his family, is a clear violation of press freedom and his human rights. The use of force by state security agents to silence members of the press not only threatens the safety of individual journalists but undermines the right of the public to access free and independent information.

“We call on the Somali authorities, specifically NISA, to immediately release our colleague Abduqadir Jakarta and guarantee his safety. Furthermore, we demand an independent investigation into the circumstances of this illegal act, holding those responsible accountable for violating the rights of journalists and the principles of justice,” said SJS Secretary General, Abdalle Mumin.

Local journalist Luqman freed after spending a night in detention in Gedo region over Facebook post

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October 4, 2024

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Arlaadi Media Network journalist Luqman Sheikh Abdullahi Kerow. | PHOTO/ FACEBOOK.

MOGADISHU, Somalia, 4 October, 2024 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) welcomes the release of journalist Luqman Sheikh Abdullahi Kerow, on Friday evening 4 October. He had spent more than 24 hours in NISA detention in Luuq town, Gedo region, Somalia.

At around 4:00 pm local time, on Thursday, 3 October, 2024, the Arlaadi Media Network reporter Luqman Sheikh Abdullahi Kerow was detained at a NISA detention center in Luuq town. The journalist’s arrest followed a post on his Facebook page announcing the “upcoming appointment of a new security commander for Luuq town”, a director of Arlaadi Media Network Abdirahman Jeylani, told SJS.

According to the journalist and other sources in the region, Luqman was called by the NISA commander in Luuq town, Abdirahman Sahane, and was ordered to come to the NISA office on Thursday. Upon his arrival, he was questioned about the source of his post regarding the new security commander’s appointment. He was then detained at the NISA detention center in Luuq town, where he spent the night.

He was freed this evening on Friday at 8:00 pm after being forced to delete the Facebook post and publish an apology, which is still online on his Facebook page.

“There were no charges, but my phone was confiscated. When my parents came to see me, they were denied access,” Luqman told SJS shortly after his release.

Luuq town has recently witnessed widespread violence, resulting in the displacement of the local community after clan militia groups, backed by local security forces, fought over the control of the town. Journalists told SJS that despite efforts to reconcile the warring sides, tension still remains, making it difficult for local journalists to operate.

Journalists are not only affected by the conflict but also by the humanitarian crisis impacting their communities. In recent SJS training activities, Luqman and other reporters in the region were trained in reporting on the impacts of climate change on their communities, as Gedo region continues to be severely affected by worsening climate conditions. In April this year, nearly 100,000 people were affected by heavy rains and flash floods that hit the previously drought-stricken Bardhere district in the Gedo region alone.

“We strongly condemn the unjust detention of journalist Luqman Sheikh Abdullahi Kerow and the continued harassment of journalists in Gedo region. While we welcome Luqman’s release,” said SJS Secretary-General, Abdalle Mumin.

“We call on the local authorities in Gedo region to cease the intimidation and unlawful treatment of journalists who are simply doing their job by reporting on matters of public interest. Journalists must be allowed to operate freely and without fear of retribution,” Mr. Mumin added.

Maay-Language journalists and those advocating for women’s justice face discrimination and threats in Mogadishu

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September 19, 2024

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Journalist Amina Ibrahim told SJS that she "felt frightened, belittled", and demeaned because of her language and the context in which she asked such an important question to the officials. | PHOTO/ Courtesy SJS.

MOGADISHU, Somalia, 19 September 2024 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) is concerned about recent incidents of hate speech and discrimination targeting media houses broadcasting in the Maay language and journalists covering the court case of a femicide victim in Mogadishu.

On 16 September 2024, a female journalist working for the Maay-language private broadcaster Arlaadi Media was subjected to what has been described as “discriminatory” harassment during a press conference jointly held by Somali Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmed Moalim Fiqi and the Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, in Mogadishu. During the press briefing held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building, journalist Amina Ibrahim Abdirahman grilled Minister Fiqi on recent derogatory statements he made regarding Somalia-Ethiopia relations, following tensions between the two countries.

However, before the journalist could finish her question, she was interrupted by Mohamed Abdi Waare, the current Deputy Executive Secretary of IGAD and former president of Somalia’s Hirshabelle regional state who in an audible voice, interrupted and told her “to stop” asking her question.

According to journalists who were present at the event, Mr. Waare not only intimidated the female journalist, but his actions were also a clear attempt to demean her language on an important subject, amid growing hate speech toward certain communities. Amina told SJS that she “felt frightened, belittled, and demeaned” because of her language and the context in which she asked such an important question to the officials.

Despite Minister Fiqi allowing the female reporter to continue her question, he proceeded in his response to cast doubt on his understanding of the Maay language.

Separately, journalists and editors who speak the Maay language told SJS that they feel discriminated against. Sometimes their requests for interviews are turned down by government officials and supporters of the federal government in Mogadishu.

This comes just a few weeks after a comment made by the Director-General of the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation of Somalia’s federal government referred to the people of Baay and Bakool, predominantly Maay-language speakers, as “children of Ethiopian men,” in reference to recent protests in those regions against the reported deployment of Egyptian forces as part of the new AU mission for 2025.

SJS is also concerned about the recurrent hate-filled rhetoric directed at journalists covering the court case involving the killing of Luul Abdiasis, a 29-year-old pregnant woman from a marginalized community who was brutally murdered by her husband on 26 January 2024 in Mogadishu. The suspected perpetrator, who had previously evaded justice, was arrested and has been in court since February. However, media houses and journalists advocating for justice for Luul and her family have repeatedly been labeled as “causing fitnah” or discord, as some have even pointed fingers to the community these journalists come from.

People and a camera in the courtroom during a session at the Somali Supreme Court on Wednesday, 18 September. | PHOTO/ Screenshot from a video provided by the Supreme Court.

On Wednesday, 18 September, a group of people gathered outside the Banadir Regional Court, where a statement was made once again targeting journalists with intimidation.

SJS denounces these statements and all hate-filled remarks directed at the brave journalists reporting on human rights. These journalists deserve protection and praise, not intimidation, hate, and threats.

“We strongly condemn the recent hateful remarks made against journalists and media houses covering the court case of victim Luul Abdiaziz. We call for those making these statements to stop. We also denounce the discrimination and hate targeted at Maay-language journalists in Mogadishu,” said the Secretary-General of SJS, Abdalle Mumin.

“We call on federal government authorities to investigate their officials and other individuals for making hateful statements against media and community members and to hold them accountable. Journalists who risk their lives to cover human rights issues deserve protection, and their work should be recognized as crucial for holding perpetrators of human rights violations accountable,” added Mr. Mumin.

The ban on media reporting on the Somalia Parliament is unacceptable and must be lifted immediately

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September 15, 2024

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Camera crews and journalists are seen in the background during a parliamentary session at the Somalia Lower House of the Federal Parliament on Saturday, September 14, 2024. | PHOTO CREDIT/OFFICIAL.

MOGADISHU, Somalia 15 September, 2024 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) condemns in the strongest possible terms the ban imposed on journalists, which prevents them from reporting on the Federal Parliament’s Lower House. This is the latest in a series of suppressive measures against the press in Somalia, aimed at silencing critical voices speaking out on the ongoing concerns regarding the tension between Egypt and Ethiopia in Somalia.

On 6 September, parliamentary media director sent a notice to journalists, prohibiting them from conducting interviews with MPs or recording briefings typically given by lawmakers after parliamentary sessions. The message, issued by a media director working at the Speaker’s Office and sent to journalists covering the Parliament via Whatsapp, stated: “All media operating in the People’s House are hereby informed that press conferences held inside the premises of the People’s House, including the outer area of the Hall, are prohibited. Additionally, conducting interviews in that location is also prohibited.”

A parliamentary media director sent a notice to journalists, prohibiting them from conducting interviews with MPs or recording briefings typically given by lawmakers after parliamentary sessions.

On Monday, 9 September, several opposition lawmakers at the People’s House condemned the ban, attributing it to an attempt to silence opposition voices. At least three MPs who spoke at a press briefing that day inside the Parliament described the ban as a direct threat to MPs expressing views contrary to those of the government.

Following the press briefing, the parliamentary media director called on media outlets not to broadcast the remarks made by opposition MPs. However, the management of Radio Risaala informed SJS that they decided to air the MPs’ comments despite the restriction.

On Wednesday, 11 September, two journalists from Radio Risaala—Abdukadir Mohamed (reporter) and Mohamed Said (cameraman)—were denied entry into Parliament. When they sought an explanation, the parliamentary media director informed Radio Risaala’s management that the blockage was related to the station’s decision to broadcast the MPs’ remarks.

On 10 September, Speaker of Parliament Aden Mohamed Nur (Sheikh Aden Madobe) summoned several Mogadishu media directors to his office. Two participants from the meeting told SJS that during the discussion, the Speaker explained that the media ban on parliamentary coverage “applies to opposition MPs who may comment on the issue of Ethiopia and Egypt.” He added that “the ban will last for a few weeks.”

Separately, on Thursday, 12 September, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud summoned a meeting with select local media directors, chosen based on clan affiliation. According to some participants who spoke to SJS, the president urged the media directors to align with his government against “the enemies of his administration.” According to the participants who requested anonymity, the president further urged the media to support his government which he said is facing “war with Ethiopia and those supporting them.”

This meeting occurred just two days after Southwest State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed (Laftagareen) addressed a gathering in Baidoa, where he expressed support for the people of the Bakool region. Last month, the residents of Hudur and Wajid, two towns in Bakool of the Southwest State, had protested against the reported deployment of Egyptian forces and the removal of Ethiopian peacekeepers in their region.

“The continuous targeting of independent journalists in Mogadishu and attempts to control media narratives are a grave violation of press freedom. The journalists have the right to maintain neutrality in all contentious matters and they should not be forced to compromise their professional and independent reporting,” said SJS Secretary General, Abdalle Mumin.

“We also call for the immediate lifting of the restrictions imposed on journalists reporting from the Lower House of the Somali Federal Parliament. We urge the government to respect journalists’ rights to report freely on Parliamentary sessions so that the public will have the right to know what is happening in the Parliament,” added Mr. Mumin.

SJS calls for investigation into the enforced disappearance of Mogadishu-based journalist Ali Shujac on suspicions of involvement by State Minister of Interior

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August 23, 2024

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Journalist Ali Mohammed Ahmed (popularly known as Ali Shujac). | PHOTO/Facebook.

MOGADISHU, Somalia 23 August, 2024 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) calls for a thorough investigation into the enforced disappearance of local journalist Ali Mohammed Ahmed (known as Ali Shujac) in Mogadishu on Wednesday this week, with allegations of involvement by the State Minister of Interior, Federal Affairs, and Reconciliation of the Somali Federal Government.

On Wednesday, 21 August 2024, Ali Shujac, who works for the Mogadishu-based Rogan News Network (RNN TV), went missing while conducting vox-pop interviews in the KM4 area (Hodan neighborhood) of Mogadishu. Eyewitnesses reported seeing three plain-clothed men escorting him to a nearby street, where they harassed and interrogated him for more than two hours before later detaining him at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) without disclosing his whereabouts.

Thanks to the immense pressure exerted by local journalists, SJS, and family members, Ali Shujac was found alive after more than 24 hours of enforced disappearance. The three individuals involved in his disappearance were later identified as plain-clothed police officers working for the Somali police CID.

According to an investigation by SJS, the disappearance follows a months-long dispute between Ali Shujac and the State Minister of Interior, Federal Affairs, and Reconciliation of the Somali Federal Government, Sadad Alio, who is also a member of the Somali Federal Parliament. This dispute began in late September 2023, when the journalist and minister Sadad first met at a Mogadishu hotel during a two-day workshop hosted by the Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs, and Reconciliation, as corroborated by two sources who spoke to SJS.

These interactions at the event and subsequent communications appear to have set the stage for what now became an enforced disappearance.

On 5 July 2024, Ali Shujac posted a Facebook picture of Minister Sadad Alio and two other individuals with the caption “The hypocrites are neither for peace nor for war.”

Following this post, a relative of the minister invited the journalist to a meeting with the minister that would have taken place at the minister’s apartment, which Ali Shujac declined due to security concerns.

On 25 July, Ali Shujac posted another Facebook post titled “The Traits of a Person Who Cannot Be a Leader,” mentioning Minister Sadad Alio on Facebook.

It is this post that led to a series of suspicious contacts from individuals claiming to be from the Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy of the Somali Federal Government, who attempted to arrange an interview with the journalist. According to a chain of Whatsapp messages reviewed by SJS, the two individuals making the contact claimed to be working for the Ministry of Fisheries, describing themselves as “a director” and “a manager” respectively for the what they claimed to be “Somali Seashore Safety.” (It is not clear if such department exists).

“I contacted people I knew and asked if they were familiar with the names claiming to be working for the Ministry of Fisheries. The contacts informed me that such names do not work for the ministry. At that moment, I became suspicious of them and told them that I would be busy but suggested sending someone else, which they refused,” Ali Shujac said.

At one point, the two individuals making contact offered to send a car to pick up the journalist from his home and also gave him a three-day deadline (from Thursday, 25 July to Saturday, 27 July 2024) to either accept the interview with their director, or that they would “seek another journalist to conduct the interview”, as revealed by the WhatsApp messages.

SJS shared the names and alleged positions of the two individuals with contacts at the Ministry of Fisheries. SJS was also informed that no such roles or names exist within the Ministry.

In the days leading up to his disappearance, Ali Shujac continued to posts deemed critical to Minister Sadad Alio on Facebook, with the last one posted on 14 August 2024, alleging that the minister had “failed to represent” his community. On the day of Ali Shujac’s disappearance, the plain-clothed officers who took him from the street mentioned that they had been searching for him for two weeks in connection to his criticism of the minister.

“While holding me on a street corner, one of the three armed men made two calls to someone he referred to as ‘minister.’ At one point, he said, ‘The minister is coming in his black car to collect you,’ but a second guy intervened and said, ‘If this young man is handed over to that minister, he might kill him,'” Ali Shujac told SJS.

During this ordeal, the armed officers demanded $20 (twenty US Dollars) from Ali Shujac so that they can buy ‘khat,’ which he could not pay.

Ali Shujac was eventually taken to the CID headquarters at KM4, where he was held without charges. His name was not entered in the occurrence book, and a CID officer later told SJS that the officers who detained the journalist were acting on behalf of a government minister, not the police.

On Thursday, 22 August, after pressure from concerned journalists, he was released, but only after being forced to sign an apology letter to Minister Sadad Alio. Ali Shujac reported that his pre-existing health conditions worsened during this ordeal and that he could not access his medication.

“Before my release, I was taken to a room where an old man was sitting, and then a CID officer came and said to me, ‘Listen, if you want to live in peace in this city, stay away from criticizing the minister, or you will be in trouble,'” Ali Shujac said.

SJS wrote to Minister Sadad Alio for comment on the journalist’s disappearance but has received no response.

“The enforced disappearance of journalist Ali Shujac for 24 hours in Mogadishu this week at the hands of Somali police officers is a serious breach of press freedom and human rights, and we condemn it. This act constitutes a severe violation of human rights. We are relieved that he was found safe; however, the Somali police and authorities in Mogadishu must act swiftly and investigate this matter with integrity,” said SJS Secretary-General, Abdalle Mumin “No one should have the power to kidnap someone and enforce their disappearance. We demand a full and transparent investigation to hold those responsible accountable, whether they are government officials or police officers. We also call on the State Minister of Interior to provide a full report to the police regarding his knowledge and involvement in this case.”

Two local journalists injured in Mogadishu Liido beach attack recount their ordeal

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August 21, 2024

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Qaasim Ibrahim Adaan, a news presenter and producer at SMS TV shows his injuries following Liido Beach terror attack on 2 August, 2024. | PHOTO/ Credit/ Risaala TV.

MOGADISHU, Somalia, 21 August 2024 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) reports that two of its members were among those injured on the night of 2 August 2024 when Al-Shabaab terrorists attacked beachgoers at the Beach View restaurant in Mogadishu’s Liido Beach area with suicide bombing and gunfire.

The attack resulted in the deaths of at least 37 people and left dozens more injured.

Qaasim Ibrahim Adaan, a news presenter and producer at SMS TV, and Shire Abdi Ahmed, a cameraman and producer at Dawan TV, were at Liido Beach when the attack occurred and were injured—one of them critically—but are now out of danger.

Qaasim Ibrahim Adan, who sustained multiple injuries from shrapnel and a bullet, recounted the harrowing experience in an interview with SJS: “It was past 9:00 PM local time, and my friends and I were preparing to leave the beach. Suddenly, I heard a deafening explosion, followed by gunshots from every direction. We were thrown to the ground.”

He continued “I was injured by multiple shrapnels and a bullet. One shrapnel hit above my right eye, another penetrated my right-hand elbow, and a bullet grazed above my left ear. I also suffered a broken finger on my right leg.”

Qaasim is now recovering, though he mourns the loss of two university classmates who were with him that night.

“I am fortunate to have survived, but I am deeply grieving the loss of my friends. I send my deepest condolences to their families and hope they find strength during this difficult time,” he said.

Qaasim, who was off-duty that Friday, often visited Liido Beach as a place of relaxation and a meeting spot for friends and colleagues, including local journalists who frequent the area to unwind from the stresses of their work.

Journalist shows his leg injury following the Liido Beach terror attack on 2 August, 2024. | Photo/Courtesy.

Shire Abdi Ahmed was also at the Beach View restaurant meeting friends when the blast occurred, throwing him to the ground and leaving him critically injured.

“The last thing I remember was standing on the beach with a friend. Suddenly, I found myself on the ground, unable to stand. People were running everywhere; it was chaotic, and gunfire was coming from every direction,” Shire recalled during an interview with SJS.

“I was bleeding and unable to walk. I thought I was going to die. A shrapnel hit my skull, and two others penetrated my right thigh to the left thigh, causing severe bleeding. Several more shrapnels struck both my ankles,” he explained.

Fortunately, a friend who was also injured helped Shire to a nearby shelter, before a young tuk-tuk driver rushed them both to the hospital.

This attack underscores the ongoing dangers faced by Somali journalists and the wider community in such terror incidents. Media workers continue to carry out their duties under great peril in Somalia. On 14 March, the director of SMS TV, Hassan Sheikh Ahmed Adde, was injured in the SYL Hotel attack. Journalists in Somalia often lack insurance coverage and are underpaid, leading to significant financial burdens for them and their families when they are wounded in such attacks.

Both Qaasim and Shire are now in recovery, though the trauma of the attack remains with them. SJS extends its support and wishes them a full and speedy recovery.

“We strongly denounce this ruthless terror attack on innocent civilians, including our fellow journalists, who were simply enjoying a night out. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those killed, as we pray for those injured, including Qaasim and Shire a swift and full recovery,” said SJS Secretary General, Abdalle Mumin.

“It is imperative that the Somali security forces take all necessary measures to protect the civilian population, especially those who risk their lives daily to inform the public. The safety of journalists must be prioritized to ensure that they can continue their vital work in the midst of challenging and dangerous circumstances,” added Mr. Mumin.

Wave of violence and intimidation targeted journalists covering Mogadishu protests

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August 19, 2024

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Journalists were summoned to the Hawlwadaag police station and later detained for two hours on Sunday 18 August, 2024. | PHOTO/ Private.

MOGADISHU, Somalia 19 August 2024 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) condemns the wave of violence, arbitrary detention and intimidation perpetrated by the Somali police force against journalists covering protests in Mogadishu. These protests followed the closure of the largest market in the Somali capital due to “new taxes and fees”, which prompted the business community to go on strike for the second day.

On Sunday, 18 August, Somali police at Mogadishu’s Hawlwadaag police station briefly detained seven local journalists who were at Bakaro market, where local businesses had closed down in a strike against new taxes and other fees imposed on them. The journalists (Mohamud Abdirashid Sofeysane, Shabelle TV; Mohamed Abdullahi, Hirasho TV; Farhaan Mohamed Baraale; Abdifatah Moumin Ilkacase, Dalsan TV; Fadumo Abdulkadir, Dalsan TV; Abukar Mohamed Keynan, Rays TV; Zakariye Sharif Ahmed), who were there to report on the business closures, were told that police officers would give a press conference and were escorted to the police station, where they were held upon arrival.

Three of the detained journalists, all from local media outlets, told SJS that they were kept in the commander’s office for two hours. After complaining, they were released but were warned to stay away from reporting on the market closures and the business community strike.

Hirasho TV reporters Mohamed Abdullahi Isse (cameraman) and Farhan Baraale (reporter). | PHOTO/Courtesy.

On 18 August, police detained two journalists working for the online news platform Hirasho TV: Mohamed Abdullahi Isse (cameraman) and Farhan Baraale (reporter), while they were conducting interviews at Bakaro market on the aftermath of the business closures. The journalists told SJS that their equipment was confiscated and held at the Hawlwadaag police station. They were later freed without charges, and their equipment was returned.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, Abdukadir Mohamed Abdulle, a reporter for Voice of America (VOA), and cameraman Ayuub Mohamed were briefly detained at Bakaro market while conducting interviews following the business closures. Their equipment and phones were confiscated, disrupting their reporting activity, but were later returned.

On Monday, 19 August, two journalists working for Mustaqbal Media, Abdirizak Abdullahi Aden and Abdirahman Abdukadir Mohamed, were stopped and detained at the Hawlwadaag police station while reporting on a street protest by the business community at Bakaro market. Their equipment was confiscated, but they were later released without charges.

Abdirizak Abdullahi Aden and Abdirahman Abdukadir Mohamed, were stopped and detained at the Hawlwadaag police station on 19 August 2024. | PHOTO/ Radio Mustaqbal.

On Monday midday, two female reporters, Nimo Muhidin from Somali Cable TV and Safa Osman who freelances for Dalsan TV, reported being harassed and threatened by police while recording a piece to camera at Bakaro market, where business owners were protesting on the second day of the market’s closure. Nimo said “a police officer cocked his pistol” and put it her head forcing her to leave while Safa said an officer threatened to beat her if she did not leave the area.

Himilo TV reporter Nur Abdirahman was recording piece to camera when police car interfered his reporting on Monday 19 August, 2024. | PHOTO/ SJS.

Similarly, journalist Abdirahman Nur Mohamed from Himilo TV said that he and his cameraman were chased away from Bakaro market when they attempted to cover the protest. Later, while recording a piece to camera on Maka al Mukarama Road, far away from the initial site, a police officer named Isaq Mohamed Isse, known as Faratol, approached in a police vehicle and began interfering with the journalist’s reporting. In a video recording made available to SJS, the officer can be clearly heard questioning the journalist about his report, using the word “incitement” in reference to the ongoing protests in the city.

“SJS strongly condemns the arbitrary detention, acts of intimidation and violence directed at journalists in Mogadishu in the past few days. This is utterly unacceptable. Such actions undermine the fundamental principles of press freedom and cannot be tolerated in any society,” said the Secretary General of SJS, Abdalle Mumin.

“We call for an immediate and thorough investigation into these incidents to hold those responsible accountable—particularly the officers seen on camera targeting journalists on the streets. No journalist should be detained or targeted simply for reporting on issues that matter to the public. Journalists have suffered enough, and we demand justice and accountability,” Mr. Mumin adds.

End Impunity Day: SJS joins journalists in Galkayo to honor fallen colleagues and demand justice

Mohamed Omar Sahal – Killed in Kismayo, 12 July 2019

Hodan Naleyeh – Killed in Kismayo, 12 July 2019

Abdinasir Abdulle Ga’al – Killed in Awdhegle, 14 August 2019

Said Yusuf Ali – Killed in Mogadishu, 4 May 2020

Abdiwali Ali Hassan (Abdiwali Online) – Killed in Afgoye, 16 February 2020

Abdiaziz Mohamud Guled – Killed in Mogadishu, 20 November 2021

Jamal Farah Adan – Killed in Galkayo, 1 March 2021

Mohamed Isse Koonaa – Killed in Mogadishu, 29 October 2022

Ahmed Mohamed Shakur – Killed in Basra (Middle Shabelle), 30 September 2022

Abdifatah Moalim Nur (Qeys) – Killed in Mogadishu, 16 October 2023

Abdikarin Ahmed Bulhan – Killed in Abudwaq, 14 March 2024

Amun Abdullahi Mohamed – Killed near Afgoye, 18 October 2024

Note: After six years of manual documentation, SJS is grateful for the support it has received from the National Endowment for Democracy, which has enabled SJS to launch an online database for documenting violations of media freedom in Somalia and Somaliland. Visit data.sjsyndicate.org.

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Two local journalists injured in Mogadishu Liido beach attack recount their ordeal

Wave of violence and intimidation targeted journalists covering Mogadishu protests

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