Home Blog Page 5

Somaliland court reinstates Hadhwanaag News website suspension, journalists sentenced in absentia

By
Admin
-
0
A screengrab of Hadhwanaag News website. | PHOTO/SJS.
A screengrab of Hadhwanaag News website. | PHOTO/SJS.

MOGADISHU, Somalia 29 September 2025 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) vehemently condemns the decision by the Maroodi Jeex Regional Appeals Court in Hargeisa, Somaliland, to suspend the independent news websites Hadhwanaagnews.com, Hadhwanaagnews.ca, and Hadhwanaagtv.com, and to sentence journalists affiliated with Hadhwanaag News to six months in prison and a fine of 500,000 Somaliland Shillings in absentia.

On 9 August 2025, a new suspension order was issued by the Maroodi Jeex Appeals Court. Judge Abdikarin Omar Abdi ordered the “reinstatement of the suspension imposed on the websites hadhwanaagnews.co, hadhwanaagnews.ca, and hadhwanaagtv.com.”  The decision, seen by SJS, also imposed a six-month prison sentence and a fine of 500,000 Somaliland Shillings (approx. $50) on each of the Hadhwanaag News journalists, who are currently outside the country.

The websites’ suspension first imposed in early September 2019, which had been lifted in February this year, has now been reinstated. The court also ordered “all local internet service providers to block” the websites.

Hadhwanaag News is an independent news outlet run by Canada-based Somaliland exiled journalists. For years, its reporters have faced relentless legal threats and persecution merely for exposing corruption allegations against former Central Bank Governor Ali Ibrahim Jama, widely known as Ali Baghdadi.

Ali Baghdadi, who returned from Canada, was appointed as Governor of the Central Bank in April 2018. In 2019, Hadhwanaag News published an article and photos showing the Governor constructing two modern buildings in Hargeisa, which sources alleged were “hotels and commercial spaces” registered “under concealed ownership and guarded by security forces”.

Following this exposé, Ali Baghdadi filed a lawsuit at the Maroodi Jeex Regional Court, which on 5 September 2019 ordered the suspension of the Hadhwanaag News website. Police in Hargeisa began targeting Hadhwanaag News journalists. On 10 September 2019, Editor Abdiqani Abdillahi Ahmed (Asbaro) and reporter Abdirisaq Goud Nur were arrested, followed by the arrest of reporter Abdirahman Sheikh Hassan on 19 September. They were freed on bail on 23 September after two weeks in detention, but later fled the country due to escalating threats, SJS reported at the time.

In April 2021, police arrested freelance journalist, Adan Abdi Idle, over similar reporting on the alleged “corruption of Ali Baghdadi.” He was released after two weeks in custody, as reported by SJS at the time.

Ali Baghdadi was eventually removed from office in a cabinet reshuffle in September 2021.

On 8 February 2025, the Maroodi Jeex Regional Court lifted the suspension on Hadhwanaag News websites. A court document signed by Judge Ilyas Da’ud Ibrahim stated that “the suspension order was lifted since the case has concluded and a decision has been issued.”

On 8 February 2025, the Maroodi Jeex Regional Court lifted the suspension on Hadhwanaag News websites.
On 8 February 2025, the Maroodi Jeex Regional Court lifted the suspension on Hadhwanaag News websites.

However, on 9 August 2025, the Appeals Court issued a new suspension order, reinstating the ban on the websites and reimposing prison sentences and fines on the journalists in absentia.

However, on 9 August 2025, the Maroodi Jeex Appeals Court issued a new suspension order, reinstating the ban on the websites and reimposing prison sentences and fines on the journalists in absentia.
However, on 9 August 2025, the Maroodi Jeex Appeals Court issued a new suspension order, reinstating the ban on the websites and reimposing prison sentences and fines on the journalists in absentia.

“This ruling by the Maroodi Jeex Appeals Court is a politically motivated attack on press freedom and independent journalism in Somaliland. By reinstating the suspension of Hadhwanaag News just five months after it was lifted, and sentencing its journalists in absentia, the authorities are sending a chilling message to all critical voices,” said SJS Secretary General, Abdalle Mumin “These actions not only violate Somaliland’s constitution but also undermine fundamental international human rights standards.”

“We urge on the Maroodi Jeex Regional Court to reverse this draconian decision and ensure the safety and freedom of all journalists. Somaliland authorities must ensure that journalists who investigate corruption and officials’ wrongdoings are not persecuted as such action will only diminish the role of the media as public interest watchdog,” Mr. Mumin adds.

Somaliland: 10 journalists arrested in three weeks

By
Admin
-
0
Cover Photo: Somaliland journalist Ahmed Dool (right) is seen escorted by a police officer outside the Maroodi Jeh Court on 3 August, with his hands chained. Despite hopes that President Abdirahman Irro’s election in November last year would bring greater freedoms, attacks on free expression in Somaliland have escalated. | PHOTO/Courtesy/SJS.
Cover Photo: Somaliland journalist Ahmed Dool (right) is seen escorted by a police officer outside the Maroodi Jeh Court on 3 August, with his hands chained. Despite hopes that President Abdirahman Irro’s election in November last year would bring greater freedoms, attacks on free expression in Somaliland have escalated. | PHOTO/Courtesy/SJS.

MOGADISHU, Somalia 29 September 2025 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) expresses concern over the growing arrests, intimidation, and censorship of journalists in Somaliland, noting that 10 journalists have been arrested in the past three weeks.

On Saturday, 27 September, Somaliland police in Erigabo, Sanaag region, briefly arrested four local reporters: Sa’id Muse Farah (known as Sa’id Qurbawi) of Sabar TV, Ibrahim Abdi Adan (known as Murti), Mohamed Yusuf Ilkacase, and Sa’id Abdirahman. The journalists had been covering a visit by Somaliland’s Minister of Education, Ismail Yusuf Duale, to schools in Erigabo where three local schools reportedly closed and journalists had questioned the minister about the closure.

(From left to the right): Sa’id Muse Farah (known as Sa’id Qurbawi) of Sabar TV, Ibrahim Abdi Adan (known as Murti). | PHOTO/Courtesy/SJS.
(From left to the right): Sa’id Muse Farah (known as Sa’id Qurbawi) of Sabar TV, Ibrahim Abdi Adan (known as Murti). | PHOTO/Courtesy/SJS.

The four reporters were beaten and kicked by police after attempting to question Minister Duale about his visit. According to interviews conducted by SJS, they were then detained at the local police station for seven hours before being released without charge. A fifth reporter, Aidarus Jama Mohamed, managed to escape arrest. He told SJS that he sustained bruises on his back and legs after falling from a police vehicle.

Mohamed Yusuf Ilkacase (left), and Sa’id Abdirahman (right). | PHOTO/Courtesy/SJS.
Mohamed Yusuf Ilkacase (left), and Sa’id Abdirahman (right). | PHOTO/Courtesy/SJS.

On Saturday, 27 September, Somaliland police in Gabiley arrested local journalist Mohamed Wadiin after he reported on the arrest of clan elders in Wajale town by Somaliland authorities. The Somaliland Journalists Association confirmed the arrest to SJS. The elders had recently criticized the government’s decision to seize land in Wajale, a move they strongly opposed. Mohamed Wadiin, who reports primarily through his Facebook page with over 100,000 followers, was taken into custody. Journalists in Gabiley told SJS that he remains detained without an arrest warrant, despite the Somaliland constitution prohibiting arrests without due process.

Mohamed Wadiin (left) and Abdiaziz Saleban Sulub, also known as Abdiaziz Awl (right). PHOTO/Courtesy/SJS.
Mohamed Wadiin (left) and Abdiaziz Saleban Sulub, also known as Abdiaziz Awl (right). PHOTO/Courtesy/SJS.

On 12 September, Somaliland police in Burao, Togdheer region, arrested Abdiaziz Saleban Sulub, also known as Abdiaziz Awl, a reporter for KF Media TV, an online media channel. On 13 September, the Togdheer Regional Court granted police a request to detain the journalist for seven days pending investigation. No official reason was provided for his arrest. However, local journalists told SJS that the order came from the Togdheer governor, who accused Abdiaziz of negative reporting. On 27 September, the Togdheer Regional Court acquitted Abdiaziz after he had spent 18 days in detention. But according to a local lawyer and human rights defender, the journalist remained in custody despite the acquittal, as the Togdheer Attorney General—representing the governor—appealed the court’s decision.

On 11 September, Somaliland police in Borama, Awdal region, arrested three journalists: Horn Cable TV reporter Ahmed Sheikh Muse Hassan (known as Buudhi), CBA TV reporter Abdirisaq Omar Mee’aad (known as Awliyo), and cameraman Ahmed Dayib. Local journalists told SJS that the brief arrest was ordered by the Governor of Awdal Region. The three were held at Borama police station and released the same day. No official reason was given for the arrest. However, journalists told SJS that the governor was angered by local reporters’ critical coverage of him, particularly during President Abdirahman Irro’s recent visit to Borama.

(From left to the right): Horn Cable TV reporter Ahmed Sheikh Muse Hassan (known as Buudhi), CBA TV reporter Abdirisaq Omar Mee’aad (known as Awliyo), and cameraman Ahmed Dayib. | PHOTO/Courtesy/SJS.
(From left to the right): Horn Cable TV reporter Ahmed Sheikh Muse Hassan (known as Buudhi), CBA TV reporter Abdirisaq Omar Mee’aad (known as Awliyo), and cameraman Ahmed Dayib. | PHOTO/Courtesy/SJS.

On 3 September, Hargeisa-based journalist Ahmed Mohamud Dool was released after spending 30 days in jail under the custody of Somaliland’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID). He had been arrested on 5 August after posting on his Facebook page an article allegedly written by a former government attorney, which accused members of the police of involvement in two recent murder cases in Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland.

A post on the journalist’s own Facebook page the same day indicated that his arrest was linked to reporting on a murder case in Hargeisa. Speaking to SJS, Ahmed Dool said he was unitially summoned to report to the police criminal investigation in Hargeisa and was arrested upon arrival. The case was heard by the Maroodi-Jeh Regional Court in Hargeisa, where the government attorney accused him of “spreading false information.” After one month in detention, his defense lawyers successfully requested that the case be transferred to the Hargeisa District Court on 3 September. That court imposed a fine of 1,500,000 Somaliland Shillings (approximately $150). Ahmed Dool paid the fine and was released the same day.

journalist Ahmed Mohamud Dool. | PHOTO/Courtesy/SJS.
journalist Ahmed Mohamud Dool. | PHOTO/Courtesy/SJS.

He told SJS that he paid the fine not because he admitted any wrongdoing, but because he believed he would not receive justice otherwise, noting that the regional court had deliberately delayed hearings for a month under the influence of senior government officials. Photos of Ahmed Dool in chains were seen online during his repeated court appearances, raising concerns about the treatment of critical journalists in Somaliland.

Somaliland’s independent media is facing unprecedented pressure, despite earlier hopes for greater freedom following President Abdirahman Irro’s election victory in November last year. To date, SJS has documented the arrest of 24 journalists over the past nine months, while two media outlets have been banned.

“The repeated arrests of journalists in Somaliland over the past three weeks highlight a dangerous pattern of intimidation and censorship.  We are indeed concerned that press freedom is under serious threat, and these actions not only silence independent voices but also undermine the public’s right to information,” said SJS Secretary General, Abdalle Mumin.

“We call on Somaliland authorities to immediately release all detained journalists, particularly Abdiaziz Saleban Sulub, also known as Abdiaziz Awl, respect their constitutional rights, and ensure a safe environment for the media to operate freely,” Mr. Mumin adds.

Sidee lagu mideyn karaa codka bulshada rayidka Soomaaliyeed?

By
Admin
-
0

Journalists’ safety gravely undermined during opposition coverage in Mogadishu

By
Admin
-
0
Journalists seen conducting interviews outside Warta Nabadda police station, Thursday 25 September, 2025. | PHOTO/Courtesy.
Journalists seen conducting interviews outside Warta Nabadda police station, Thursday 25 September, 2025. | PHOTO/Courtesy.

MOGADISHU, Somalia 26 September 2025 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) expresses deep concern over the endangerment of journalists’ lives while covering opposition activities in Mogadishu on Wednesday, 24 September, and Thursday, 25 September, during an event involving the Speaker of Parliament.

We strongly condemn the reported threats against journalists who expressed interest in covering the planned opposition-led demonstration scheduled for Saturday.

On Wednesday, 24 September, a dozen journalists faced serious risks to their safety when they accompanied leaders of the opposition, the Somali Salvation Forum, to the Warta Nabadda police station in Mogadishu. The opposition members and accompanying media crews came under gunfire that left at least two people dead and seven others injured, according to media reports. While no journalists were killed, a female journalist, Shukri Aabi Abdi, told SJS that she sustained minor facial bruises as she crawled to safety while seeking shelter.

At least five local media outlets reported losing journalistic equipment as their reporters fled during the attack.

On Thursday, 25 September, the Speaker of the Lower House of the Somali Federal Parliament, Aden Mohamed Nur (Sheikh Aden Madobe), blocked a dozen local journalists who were waiting for his press briefing during his visit to the Warta Nabadda police station. The journalists were kept outside, prevented from reporting, and were warned by armed soldiers not to point their cameras toward the station. Another female reporter from a local TV station told SJS that journalists were held there for more than two hours.

Meanwhile, on Friday, SJS received reports from at least five journalists who said they were prepared to cover the opposition-announced demonstration in Mogadishu on Saturday. The demonstration was called by the Somali Salvation Forum in response to Wednesday’s attack and to protest the ongoing forced evictions affecting Mogadishu residents.

Journalists seen conducting interviews outside Warta Nabadda police station, Thursday 25 September, 2025. | PHOTO/Courtesy.
Journalists seen conducting interviews outside Warta Nabadda police station, Thursday 25 September, 2025. | PHOTO/Courtesy.

Somali government officials, including Defense Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi and Mogadishu Mayor Hassan Mohamed Hussein, publicly denounced the planned protest and warned the public against participation.  However, opposition leaders have insisted that the demonstration — which they described as “peaceful” — will go ahead as planned.

“We condemn the violent attack in Mogadishu on Wednesday, which resulted in loss of lives and endangered the safety of journalists as well as many civilians. The repeated targeting, intimidation, and blocking of journalists in Mogadishu is unacceptable and poses a grave threat to press freedom,” said Abdalle Mumin, Secretary General of the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS). “Journalists must be able to report freely and safely, especially on matters of public interest such as opposition activities and demonstrations. We call on the Somali authorities to immediately end these acts of repression and to guarantee the safety and protection of all media workers.”

SJS statement on the Somali Government’s move to terminate the mandate of the Independent Expert and the formation of a government-controlled National Human Rights Commission

By
Admin
-
0
SJS Press Release logo
SJS Press Release logo.

MOGADISHU, Somalia 23 September 2025 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) expresses its strongest concern over the Somali government’s deliberate attempt to dismantle existing human rights protection mechanisms by seeking to terminate the mandate of the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia, while simultaneously rushing to establish a government-controlled National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). This represents a calculated move to crush human rights protections, shield violators from accountability, and silence independent oversight.

The Somali federal government has reportedly informed the Human Rights Council in Geneva of its intention to end the mandate of the Independent Expert, effective October 2025. This mandate, established in 1993 and most recently extended under Human Rights Council Resolution 57/27 (October 2024), enables impartial monitoring, assessment, and reporting on Somalia’s human rights situation. The current mandate-holder, Ms. Isha Dyfan, appointed in 2020, works in her individual capacity, gathering information, conducting visits, and making recommendations to advance human rights in Somalia.

This reckless decision comes amid one of the darkest human rights periods in Somalia’s recent history:

  • Forced evictions of thousands of vulnerable families in Mogadishu, leaving internally displaced persons (IDPs) and minorities at severe risk.
  • Escalating attacks on journalists and media freedom, leading to widespread self-censorship in Mogadishu and forcing some journalists into exile.
  • Persistent sexual violence and murder against women and girls, while the government continues to oppose the Sexual Offenses Bill.
  • Extrajudicial killings and abductions of civilians in South and Central Somalia, particularly in Middle Shabelle, Lower Shabelle, and Hiiraan, carried out by militias operating with impunity.
  • Entrenched corruption, extortion, and human trafficking, with credible reports of cash smuggling through Mogadishu’s Aden Abdulle International Airport by networks linked to senior officials.

Instead of addressing these grave abuses, the government has pushed forward with the creation of a puppet National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). Announced in July 2025 by the Ministry of Women and Human Rights, the nine-member body is dominated by government employees, former ministers, and close associates of the President, Prime Minister, and Speakers of Parliament. This process not only bypassed constitutional requirements but also excluded Somalia’s most marginalized and oppressed communities, further undermining the its legitimacy.

The so-called NHRC blatantly violates Article 41 of the Provisional Constitution, which requires “Parliament to establish an independent, adequately resourced commission”, and Law No. 18 of 2016, which emphasizes autonomy, transparency, and independence. It also contravenes the Paris Principles and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights standards, which mandate that national human rights institutions be pluralistic, credible, and free from state control.

SJS is deeply alarmed that the commission’s composition reflects Somalia’s discredited 4.5 clan power-sharing formula, deliberately excluding minorities and civil society voices. Even worse, some appointees are directly tied to human rights violators, including the recent reappointment of Mahad Mohamed Salad, a figure with a notorious record of abuses, as Director of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA).

This demonstrates beyond doubt that the process was politically manipulated, non-transparent, and designed to whitewash violations rather than protect victims. If left unchallenged, this will entrench impunity and dismantle Somalia’s already fragile human rights protections.

SJS Calls and Recommendations:

The Somali federal government must immediately halt the current NHRC process, and restart it in full compliance with Article 41 of the Constitution and international human rights standards.

Parliament must ensure a transparent, merit-based, and participatory process, with open calls for applications, public vetting, and genuine involvement of civil society, minorities, and independent experts.

Individuals implicated in past human rights violations must be barred from serving in or influencing the commission.

The Somali civil society must take an active role in monitoring the process, demanding inclusivity and independence.

International partners and human rights organizations must closely monitor developments and withhold recognition or support for any government-controlled body that fails to meet international standards.

Somalia deserves a truly independent and credible national human rights commission that protects victims, holds perpetrators accountable, and strengthens the rule of law. Instead, the current process seeks to legitimize repression and enable impunity.

SJS further strongly warns that dismantling international and constitutional safeguards in this manner will have devastating consequences for Somalia’s human rights future.

Mogadishu journalist Anisa Ahmed harassed, threatened and forced to apologize to NISA

By
Admin
-
0
PHOTO: Anisa Ahmed who reports for the online channel, Dalbile TV. | Courtesy/SJS.
PHOTO: Anisa Ahmed who reports for the online channel, Dalbile TV. | Courtesy/SJS.

MOGADISHU, Somalia, 20 September 2025 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) condemns the threats of disappearance and harm made against woman journalist, Anisa Ahmed, in Mogadishu by the Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA).

On 14 September, while carrying out her reporting assignment, Dalbile TV journalist Anisa Ahmed was stopped by Abdirahman Ali Mohamud, the NISA commander in charge of Dayniile district, Mogadishu. Anisa and her cameraman were reporting from Dayniile’s Oodweyne neighborhood, where armed police were deployed to forcibly evict families occupying former government land. During the eviction, gunfire erupted, killing at least one civilian and injuring four others, according to media reports.

According to an audio recording obtained by SJS in the aftermath of the incident, the NISA commander can be heard questioning Anisa on why she returned to report from the area, referring to her previous arrest in the same district late last month. While her cameraman managed to leave the area safely, Anisa told SJS that she was harassed and “threatened with disappearance” by Abdirahman Ali Mohamud. She later left the scene.

On the same day, Anisa posted the audio recording of her interaction with Abdirahman Ali Mohamud on her Facebook page. That evening, she received a call from MohamedKafi Sheikh Abukar, a NISA agent in charge of media monitoring who is also attached to state media in Mogadishu. MohamedKafi had previously been suspended from NISA a year ago following investigations into allegations of extortion, kidnapping and sexual violence against female detainees in NISA custody. However, he was reinstated in June this year after his relative Mahad Salad returned to NISA’s leadership.

According to a second audio recording obtained by SJS, MohamedKafi Sheikh Abukar can be heard instructing Anisa to join a WhatsApp conference call where the NISA commander for Banadir region, Moalim Salah—a former Al-Shabaab defector—joined the conversation and was introduced to her. During the call, MohamedKafi Sheikh Abukar pressured Anisa to delete her Facebook post from that day, promising in return to grant her and her relatives “access to the roads in Mogadishu.” He also questioned whether Anisa had previously attended Ministry of Information seminars and asked about her place of residence.

Due to security restrictions, many of Mogadishu’s main roads remain blocked to the public, and access to key infrastructure such as the airport and government buildings often requires either personal connections or government-issued IDs. As a result, many local journalists, and non-government personnel fall into the trap of being given IDs from security agencies, including NISA, to gain access to these roads.

MohamedKafi Sheikh Abukar further asked Anisa to come to a police station “to resolve the matter,” which she refused. During the WhatsApp call, Anisa also declined to delete her Facebook post. However, on 16 September, Anisa reported that MohamedKafi Sheikh Abukar continued to pressure her, threatening arrest if she did not remove the post. She also reported that he instructed her to ask SJS to delete the audio recording it had published. Under pressure, Anisa eventually deleted both the audio recording and her Facebook post.

On 17 September, Anisa was forced to publish an apology on her Facebook page.
On 17 September, Anisa was forced to publish an apology on her Facebook page. | PHOTO/Screenshot/ Anisa.

That was still not enough. On 17 September, Anisa was forced to publish an apology statement on her Facebook page, where she stated: “I, Anisa Ahmed, a journalist working in Mogadishu, would like to express here my appreciation and respect for the security agencies and government officials.”

“The threats, harassment, and forced apology against our colleague Anisa Ahmed represent a grave attack on press freedom and the safety of journalists in Somalia,” said Abdalle Mumin, Secretary General of the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) “Anisa Ahmed is a double victim in this case: first, subjected to harassment and threats of disappearance while performing her journalistic duties, and second, forced to publicly apologize under pressure from NISA officials.”

“It is unacceptable that NISA officials, including those previously implicated in abuses against journalists, continue to intimidate reporters with impunity. We demand an immediate end to these threats, accountability for those responsible, and protection for Anisa and all journalists who courageously serve the public,” Mr. Mumin adds.

Two Puntland journalists face legal threats over critical reporting

By
Admin
-
0
Suways Jama Mohamud and Hassan Abdi Ali (Hassan Heykal). | PHOTO/SJS/Combined.
Suways Jama Mohamud and Hassan Abdi Ali (Hassan Heykal). | PHOTO/SJS/Combined.

MOGADISHU, Somalia, 20 September 2025 – The Somali journalists Syndicate (SJS) expresses deep concern over the continued harassment and intimidation of journalists in Puntland, following the summons of Suways Jama Mohamud and Hassan Abdi Ali (Hassan Heykal) by the Puntland Attorney General’s Office earlier this month. Both journalists, who have reported on sensitive issues including political criticism, human rights, and governance, are now facing accusations reportedly filed by the Puntland Ministry of Information, raising serious fears of reprisals for their independent reporting.

On 9 September 2025, the Puntland Attorney General’s (AG) Office summoned journalists Suways Jama Mohamud and Hassan Abdi Ali (popularly known as Hassan Heykal) via phone call over an unspecified issue. The following day, a lawyer representing the two went to the AG’s Office and was informed that both journalists were required to appear before the office.

The lawyer was also told that the case had been filed by the Puntland Ministry of Information.

Suways Jama Mohamud is a reporter and producer at Puntland State TV and the founder of Suways Media, an online platform known for its “street question” interviews in Puntland. On 9 June, Suways published an interview with a local commander of an armed group affiliated with SSC-Khaatumo (now Northeast State Somalia), who claimed that fighting had taken place in a rural village in Sool region called Shaxda during a visit by the Puntland State Minister for the Presidency. Following the interview, Suways told SJS she received threats of arrest, which forced her into hiding for several weeks.

On 23 June, Suways told SJS that she was suspended from her position at Puntland State TV after being accused of being critical of the government in August this year. However, in late August, Puntland’s Ministry of Labor, as well as the workplace committee and human resources office at Puntland State TV, rejected the suspension, concluding that it was unlawful. Members of the Puntland State Parliament also grilled the Minister of Information, and the Director General of Puntland State TV, who had authorized the suspension, on the suspension of Suways. MPs also ordered to reinstate Suways.

She told SJS that while awaiting confirmation of her return to work, she received the call from the AG’s Office summoning her.

Hassan Heykal, director of Milgo Media, which operates in several Puntland locations, told SJS that he began receiving threats from the Office of the Puntland Vice President after he published an interview in May with a young tuk-tuk driver who alleged he had been beaten by security guards of Vice President Ilyas Ahmed Lugatoor. After the interview was posted online, a senior official from the Vice President’s office contacted Heykal, requesting the driver’s contact details, which he provided.

On Sunday, 14 September, Hassan Heykal appeared with his lawyer before the AG’s Office, where he was questioned about five news reports published on Milgo Media. These included: an interview with a clan elder demanding the Puntland Minister of Information apologize to Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre’s clan; a protest by the family of a murder victim killed in Garowe in June; a commentary by a Puntland government official criticizing the Puntland State Minister of Information in September; an interview with the spokesman of the Puntland counter-terrorism operation, who claimed that the leader of ISIS-Somalia had fled the country; and an interview with a politician who accused the Puntland president of blocking his parliamentary candidacy.

On Thursday, 18 September, Suways also reported to the AG’s Office, where she was questioned about 10 posts published on Suweys Media and one personal comment she had written on Facebook.

SJS’s review of the posts shows that most were vox pop interviews with ordinary citizens voicing criticism of government officials at various levels including criticism to the president and the vice president of Puntland. The Facebook comment in question related to Vice President Lugatoor’s visit to Puntland State TV on 22 May 2025. Suways had commented on a Puntland State House Facebook post, noting remarks the Vice President Lugatoor allegedly made during the visit. That comment is no longer visible.

According to their lawyer, both journalists were instructed to prepare responses to accusations including “criticism of government officials and incitement.”

No written charges were provided. The AG’s Office did not respond when asked why the journalists were not given a written document about the accusations against them, instead of only oral statements.

“The summons of Suways Jama Mohamud and Hassan Heykal by the Puntland Attorney General’s Office marks yet another troubling attempt to silence independent journalism in Puntland,” said Abdalle Mumin, Secretary General of the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS).

“Targeting journalists for their reporting—whether through unlawful suspensions, legal threats, or politically motivated cases—undermines press freedom and the public’s right to know in Puntland. We condemn these actions and we call for Puntland Attorney General’s Office and the Ministry of Information to drop these accusations immediately and for the Puntland authorities to respect and protect journalists in carrying out their duties. We also demand that Suways Jama Mohamud reinstated to her role at the Puntland State TV inline with the Parliament’s order,” Mr. Mumin added.

Journalists covering protests and market reporting attacked by NISA and Galmudug president’s guards in Mogadishu

By
Admin
-
0
Kalsan TV journalists, reporter Jafar Mohamed Jimale (left) and cameraman Abdimajid Abdirahman (right). | PHOTO/SJS/combined.
Kalsan TV journalists, reporter Jafar Mohamed Jimale (left) and cameraman Abdimajid Abdirahman (right). | PHOTO/SJS/combined.

MOGADISHU, Somalia, 12 September 2025 –  The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) condemns the attacks on four Kalsan TV journalists by NISA and the presidential guards of Galmudug State in Mogadishu, which occurred on 28 August and 8 September, respectively. SJS also condemns the threats against journalist Farhan Mohamed Barale by the Mogadishu police.

On 8 September 2025, the presidential guards of Galmudug State President Ahmed Abdi Kaariye Qoor Qoor assaulted, threatened, fired live bullets, and kidnapped two journalists: Jafar Mohamed Jimale (reporter) and Abdimajid Abdirahman (cameraman), both working for Kalsan TV.

According to media reports, shortly before the arrest, evicted families—mostly women and children—were protesting near the residence where President Qoor Qoor was staying in Mogadishu, voicing complaints over forced evictions carried out by the federal government. The demonstration was organized by residents displaced from the former fire brigade camp at Wadajir district, who accused Qoor Qoor of breaking his promise to provide them with alternative land after their homes were demolished. In April last year, the president himself had addressed these same families, assuring them they would be allocated permanent land for resettlement.

As the Kalsan TV journalists were covering the protest, President Qoor Qoor deployed his security forces to target them while they were carrying out their professional duties. The journalists told SJS that the president’s armed guards abducted, beat, and held them for more than three hours inside Qoor Qoor’s residence in Hodan district. They were eventually released after the security detail deleted the footage they had recorded.

Galmudug President’s communication team did not respond to SJS calls seeking answers regarding the journalists’ case.

Feysal Abdi Farah, a reporter for Kalsan TV, and Hassan Mohamed Hashi. | PHOTO/SJS/Combined.
Feysal Abdi Farah, a reporter for Kalsan TV, and Hassan Mohamed Hashi. | PHOTO/SJS/Combined.

On 28 August 2025, plainclothes officers of the Somalia National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) unlawfully detained Feysal Abdi Farah, a reporter for Kalsan TV, and Hassan Mohamed Hashi, a cameraman, while they were covering the rising fish prices at Mogadishu’s fish market in Hamarweyne district.

The journalists told SJS that the armed officers first approached and harassed them while they were interviewing fishmongers, before placing them under arrest. According to Kalsan TV, the journalists were held in an open area of the market for nearly two hours, during which their equipment was confiscated and their recorded content deleted, before they were eventually released.

This attack adds to the growing number of cases in which newly deployed NISA officers in Mogadishu have repeatedly targeted journalists—and even ordinary citizens—for speaking out or criticizing the authorities. As a result, many local media houses have become increasingly reluctant to send their crews into the streets to carry out reporting assignments.

Online journalist Farhan Mohamed Barale. | PHOTO/Courtesy/SJS.
Online journalist Farhan Mohamed Barale. | PHOTO/Courtesy/SJS.

On 28 August, online journalist Farhan Mohamed Barale reported that he received threats of arrest and intimidation from the Dayniile police commander, Captain Ahmed Ali Yalahow, following his reporting on insecurity and armed robberies in the Dayniile district of Mogadishu. The journalist stated that he received phone calls from Captain Yalahow threatening him with arrest. Farhan also posted publicly on his Facebook account, warning his family and friends that if he were to “disappear or face harm”, it would be the responsibility of Captain Yalahow.

On 27 August, a female journalist working for the online platform Dalbile TV, Anisa Ahmed, was arrested at Dayniile police station for a day after Captain Yalahow’s men brought her there. She had been detained following her report on armed robbery incidents including one she was a victim in the Dayniile district.

Captain Yalahow did not respond to calls from SJS. However, SJS reviewed a statement he posted on his personal Facebook account on 25 August, two days after the Dalbile TV report. In the post, Captain Yalahow appeared to acknowledge the occurrence of armed robberies in his district and even urged locals to report such incidents to the police.

“We strongly condemn the assault, threats, live gunfire, and the kidnapping of journalists Jafar Mohamed Jimale and Abdimajid Abdirahman, both working for Kalsan TV. We demand answers from President Qoor Qoor’s office in Galmudug and call for accountability for the security officers who kidnapped and assaulted the journalists,” said SJS Secretary General, Abdalle Mumin.

“SJS also condemns the unlawful detention of Feysal Abdi Farah and Hassan Mohamed Hashi by NISA, as well as the threats and intimidation against Farhan Mohamed Barale, all targeted simply for their journalism work,” added Mr. Mumin. “Targeting media professionals for doing their jobs is unacceptable and undermines press freedom in Somalia. We call on the Mogadishu authorities to immediately investigate these incidents, hold those responsible accountable, and ensure the safety of journalists so they can report freely without fear of harassment or violence.”

Local reporter arrested, another summoned by police in Laascaanood

By
Admin
-
0
Daljir Media reporter Mohamed Muse Yusuf (known as Mohamed Koronto) on the left and Sharma’arke Abdi Mahdi, (on the right) who runs the Facebook news page, Khaatumo TV. | PHOTO/Combined/ SJS.
Daljir Media reporter Mohamed Muse Yusuf (known as Mohamed Koronto) on the left and Sharma’arke Abdi Mahdi, (on the right) who runs the Facebook news page, Khaatumo TV. | PHOTO/Combined/ SJS.

MOGADISHU, Somalia 04 September 2025 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) condemns the arrest of journalist Sharma’arke Abdi Mahdi and the police harassment and summoning of journalist Mohamed Muse Yusuf in Laascaanood, the capital of Northeast State, Somalia, this week.

On Tuesday, 2 September, police officers in Laascaanood summoned Daljir Media reporter Mohamed Muse Yusuf (known as Mohamed Koronto) shortly after his interview with the regional Minister of Information, Najib Barkhadle, was published by Daljir Media. In the interview reviewed by SJS, Mr. Barkhadle criticized the process of Northeast State’s formation, which was rebranded from SSC-Khaatumo under the backing of the Somali federal government. He described the process as “hastened and lacking major consensus.” He also condemned the federal Minister of Interior, who had recently called on Laascaanood authorities to crush opposition groups.

Mohamed Koronto told SJS that when he reported to the Laascaanood police station on Tuesday afternoon alongside colleague journalists, he was harassed by criminal investigation officers, who told him they did not like the interview he conducted with Mr. Barkhadle, who is now regarded as an opposition figure.

Mr. Barkhadle’s interview came three days after President, Abdukadir Ahmed Aw-Ali Firdhiye, was re-elected in a vote held in Laascaanood.

On Wednesday, 3 September, security personnel attached to the Northeast State president, Abdukadir Firdhiye arrested journalist Sharma’arke Abdi Mahdi, who runs the Facebook news page, Khaatumo TV, which covers local news. Sharma’arke said he was assisting another journalist during an event where President Abdukadir Firdhiye launched a voter registration drive in Laascaanood. The officers arrested Sharma’arke by force and beat him with punches and kicks.

At 10:00 a.m., the journalist was taken to the police station, where he was held incommunicado until late evening without the knowledge of his family or colleagues. This sparked concern, leading fellow journalists to search for him until they eventually found him detained at the station. Journalists who visited him told SJS that officers working for President Firdhiye accused Sharma’arke of recording video clips about the president, which the journalist denied.  He was released during the night without charge.

Sharma’arke told SJS that the president’s team disliked his reporting and that he believes this was the reason for his arrest.

Journalists in Laascaanood reported to SJS that their reporting had been made difficult in the recent days and that local authorities were copying repressive measures employed by the federal government in Mogadishu against journalists.

“We condemn the arbitrary arrest of journalist Sharma’arke Abdi Mahdi and the harassment of reporter Mohamed Muse Yusuf in Laascaanood. Authorities in Laascaanood should understand that their actions are not helping the state formation process. In fact, what they are doing is a blatant violation of press freedom and an attempt to silence independent journalism in Northeast State,” said SJS Secretary General, Abdalle Mumin.

“We call for an end to the intimidation of journalists in Laascaanood as we urge the Northeast State authorities to guarantee the safety and protection of all media workers carrying out their professional duties,” added Mr. Mumin.

Dhismaha guddiyada xuquuqul insaanka iyo golaha warbaahinta Soomaaliya

By
Admin
-
0
1...456...60Page 5 of 60