Home Blog Page 6

Journalists reporting on alleged rape and murder of young girl arrested in central Somalia

By
Admin
-
0
SJS member journalist Hashim Omar Hassan (left) and Hassan Yusuf Qasaaro, were arrested after publishing news about the alleged rape and murder of a child in Adaado, Galmudug State, Somalia. | PHOTO/SJS.
SJS member journalist Hashim Omar Hassan (left) and Hassan Yusuf Qasaaro, were arrested after publishing news about the alleged rape and murder of a child in Adaado, Galmudug State, Somalia. | PHOTO/SJS.

MOGADISHU, Somalia 06 August 2025 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) strongly condemns the unlawful arrest of two journalists in Adaado town, Galmudug State, on Tuesday, 5 August 2025, following their reporting on the alleged rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Adaado town.

SJS member journalist Hashim Omar Hassan and another journalist, Hassan Yusuf Qasaaro, were arrested after publishing news about the case of an eight-year-old girl whose strangled body was discovered on the night of Monday, 4 August, at the family’s home in Adaado, according to police sources.

The two journalists, citing police sources, reported that the child had been “subjected to prolonged sexual abuse and that her death appeared to be a murder”.

Both journalists were arrested at the Adaado Police Station.

On the same day, a woman claiming to be the mother of the victim appeared in a video posted online, providing a conflicting statement about the incident. However, police later arrested the woman along with other suspects.

A source in Adaado told SJS that a local government official had ordered the arrest of the journalists and had also pressured the woman to record the contradictory video.

The journalists, who have since been released, told SJS that the local authorities were attempting to cover up the incident in order to “protect the reputation of the local government.”

SJS expresses deep concern over the arrest of the journalists in what appears to be an attempt to suppress reporting on a matter of public interest. We are also alarmed by reports that a local poet with connection to authorities used social media to incite harm against journalist Hashim Omar Hassan, accusing him of “shaming the town.”

On Wednesday, 6 August, gunmen reportedly associated with one of the suspects attacked police officers who were escorting a suspect to Dhusamareb, the capital of Galmudug, for further investigation. According to local media reports, at least one police officer was killed and several others injured. The suspect himself is said to have sustained injuries during the violent clash.

This alleged rape and murder marks the second such case in Adaado in recent months. While violence against women and girls continues to happen under-reported across Somalia, SJS is dismayed that local authorities are targeting the very brave journalists covering such cases instead of focusing on investigating the crimes and bringing perpetrators to justice.

“The arrest of journalists simply for reporting a brutal crime against a child is both outrageous and unacceptable,” said Abdalle Mumin, SJS Secretary General, “Instead of protecting press freedom and allowing journalists to report on issues of public concern—such as the rape and murder of a child—local authorities in Adaado chose to silence them. This is a clear attempt to cover up a heinous crime and intimidate the media.”

“We call for the Galmudug authorities to carry out an independent investigation into the incident, including the intimidation of the journalists and the misuse of power by local officials,” adds Mr. Mumin.

Journalists targeted and arrested in Mogadishu for reporting on Hassan Sheikh’s forced evictions

By
Admin
-
0
Osman Abdullahi Mohamed (reporter and cameraman for SMS Somali TV), Hussein Isse Mohamed (reporter for SMS Somali TV) spent two days in detention after they were arrested on Sunday. | PHOTO/SJS /Combined.
Osman Abdullahi Mohamed (reporter and cameraman for SMS Somali TV), Hussein Isse Mohamed (reporter for SMS Somali TV) spent two days in detention after they were arrested on Sunday. | PHOTO/SJS /Combined.

MOGADISHU, Somalia 6 August 2025 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) strongly condemns the abduction-style arrest of three journalists in Mogadishu on Sunday, 3 August 2025, by armed officers from the Turkish-trained Haramcad police unit.

At exactly 5:07 PM local time on Sunday, armed officers from the Haramcad police, arriving in two vehicles marked with police logos and a Toyota Prado Land Cruiser, came to the front gate of SMS Somali TV in Mogadishu, where they physically assaulted and forcibly arrested the journalists: Osman Abdullahi Mohamed (reporter and cameraman for SMS Somali TV), Hussein Isse Mohamed (reporter for SMS Somali TV), and Mahad Mohamed Abdirahman (freelance journalist).

The journalists had just returned from covering the ongoing forced evictions in Mogadishu, where armed forces affiliated with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud were reportedly evicting families from public land that was allegedly sold to wealthy businessmen. The arrest was captured on CCTV footage from the TV station.

The journalists told SJS that the armed men had been following them during their field assignment.

Although opposition MPs accompanying the journalists later escorted them safely back to their workplace, exactly one minute after they disembarked from their vehicle and were waiting at the gate to open, two uniformed men — one of them visibly armed with AK-47 rifle— arrived and took them to a waiting police truck mounted with a machine gun on top of it.

The arrest was carried by Abdi Ali, the commander of Mogadishu’s security checkpoints, who has previously been involved in the raid on Radio Risaala in March this year, as per SJS sources corroborated with CCTV footage. Abdi Ali is a known officer who defected from the Al-Shabaab militant group before joining the Somali police force.

The three journalists were detained at Hamar Jajab Police Station, yet their arrest was not recorded in the police occurrence book, they told SJS. However, CCTV footage released by SMS Somali TV clearly shows the moment the journalists were arrested.

The raid was led by Abdi Ali, the commander of Mogadishu’s security checkpoints, who has previously been involved in the raid on Radio Risaala in March this year, as per SJS sources corroborated with CCTV footage. Abdi Ali is a known officer who defected from the Al-Shabaab militant group before joining the Somali police force.
The raid was led by Abdi Ali, the commander of Mogadishu’s security checkpoints, who has previously been involved in the raid on Radio Risaala in March this year, as per SJS sources corroborated with CCTV footage. Abdi Ali is a known officer who defected from the Al-Shabaab militant group before joining the Somali police force.

Mahad Mohamed Abdirahman was released the same evening, while Osman Abdullahi Mohamed and Hussein Isse Mohamed were held until Tuesday afternoon and released without charge. They told SJS that all the footage they had recorded during their assignment was confiscated and deleted. As a result, the story they went to cover was never published due to the loss of material.

The forced evictions — ongoing since President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud returned to power in May 2022 — have recently escalated to an unprecedented level. On the night of 2 August, violence erupted when a local clan militia in the Dayniile district, Mogadishu, engaged in gunfights in an attempt to halt the evictions. The eviction involves wealthy individuals and business entities, including a local bank.

In Wardhiigley district, a standoff continued at Siinay Market between two armed groups: one comprised of Turkish-trained Haramcad police and Gorgor units enforcing the evictions, and another consisting of Somali National Army (SNA) troops and security guards aligned with opposition MPs who are resisting the evictions.

The Turkish-trained Haramcad officers were using marked police vehicles including one with mounted machine gun as they arrested journalists in abduction-style.
The Turkish-trained Haramcad officers were using marked police vehicles including one with mounted machine gun as they arrested journalists in abduction-style.

Thousands of families, including vulnerable women and children, have been affected by these evictions.

The Mogadishu police spokesperson declined to respond to SJS’s calls for comment regarding the arrest of the journalists.

SJS strongly condemns the abduction-style arrest of the three journalists outside the SMS Somali TV premises on Sunday. We call for all those involved in this unlawful arrest and intimidation to be held accountable.

“We strongly condemn the abduction-style arrest of our three colleagues, who have now been released without charge. However, all the footage they had recorded was wiped after their equipment was confiscated and two of them spent two days in detention as they were subjected with harassment and threats on their life,” said SJS Secretary General, Abdalle Mumin. “It is deeply concerning that the perpetrators of this attack remain free—ready to target more journalists.”

“Journalists in Mogadishu are now working in a climate of fear. They told us that it has become almost impossible to report on critical issues such as forced evictions, insecurity, or public grievances. The arrest of journalists Osman Abdullahi Mohamed, Hussein Isse Mohamed, and Mahad Mohamed Abdirahman on Sunday—simply for going out to cover the families affected by the forced evictions in Mogadishu—is a clear example of the dangerous environment they face,” adds Mr. Mumin.

Difaaca xorriyadaha ,Suxufiyiinta iyo la xisaabtanka dowladda , xuquuqda aadanaha Soomaaliya?

By
Admin
-
0

Somaliland crackdown on independent reporting: 10 journalists arrested in five months

By
Admin
-
0
Above from top left to the right: Yasir Ahmed Abdillahi, Abdirisaq Qaasim, Sa'id Muse Farah (Qurbawi), Warsame Kaafi Abdirashid Aden, Mohamed Abdi Hassan (Onkod), Abdiqadir Mohamed Aw-Hassan, Yusuf Abdalle Yusuf, Abdiladif Sa'id Asayr, Mohamed Suute and Qayraan Aadan. | SJS/Combined.

MOGADISHU, Somalia 14 July, 2025 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) is extremely concerned about the escalation of arrests and intimidation through the courts against journalists operating in Somaliland, particularly in the Sanaag region, where security tensions have recently been high.

SJS has documented 10 new cases of journalist arrests, detention, and with some ending in sham court trials involving intimidation tactics between March and July 2025. SJS urges Somaliland authorities to stop targeting journalists perceived as critical of state officials and to respect its own constitution, which clearly guarantees freedom of the media.

On 1 July 2025, Somaliland police in Hargeisa arrested journalist Yasir Ahmed Abdillahi while he was staying at a hotel in downtown Hargeisa. On 30 June, he had published a video on his Facebook page, which has over 102,000 followers, commenting on Somaliland President Abdirahman Abdillahi Irro’s visit to Doha, Qatar, describing it as “low level” and stating that “Qatar welcomed the Somaliland president as a regional leader of Somaliland instead of president of Somaliland.” Yasir told SJS that Somaliland Attorney General charged him with being “anti-Somaliland.” but on 4 July, the Maroodi Jeh court in Hargeisa gave his freedom after finding no evidence against him.

On 22 June 2025, Somaliland police in the port town of Berbera arrested local journalist Abdirisaq Qaasim, who works for Saab TV.  His arrest followed allegations that he had anonymously published a report on a Facebook page not officially linked to him. The post mentioned two Somaliland officials: Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Sa’id Mire and MP Mohamed Khadar. The following morning, on 23 June, police transferred the journalist to Hargeisa, where he was held for a week in Hargeisa Central Prison. On 25 June, the same Facebook page published an apology statement referring to an earlier post critical of MP Mohamed Khadar and Deputy Speaker Sa’id Mire. However, the original article was no longer available as of the date of the apology. A journalist at Saab TV told SJS that Abdirisaq Qaasim was released on 25 June and that the case was resolved through clan negotiations. Both Deputy Speaker Mire and MP Khadar did not respond to SJS’s attempts to seek their comments.

Photos from left to the right: Yasir Ahmed Abdillahi, Abdirisaq Qaasim and Sa'id Muse Farah. | SJS/combined.
Photos from left to the right: Yasir Ahmed Abdillahi, Abdirisaq Qaasim and Sa’id Muse Farah. | SJS/combined.

On 9 June 2025, police in Erigabo arrested journalist Sa’id Muse Farah (known as Sa’id Qurbawi) for interviewing employees of the Erigabo TB Hospital who had raised complaints against the hospital’s director and that the hospital could not deliver essential services to the patients including food and treatment. The journalist was released on bail the following day. However, on 14 June, the Erigabo court fined him 800 Somaliland Shillings (approximately US$ 80) for publishing a critical report about the hospital director. Sa’id Qurbawi told SJS that he paid around $100 to secure his release, but insisted that his reporting and interviews were in the public interest. He also told SJS that the hospital director influenced the court’s decision in his favor.

On 29 May 2025, Somaliland police in Erigabo arrested local journalist Warsame Kaafi Abdirashid Aden after he published a vox-pop interview with a woman who alleged that she had been physically assaulted by the chairman of the Erigabo-based Sanaag Appeals Court. The interview was posted on 14 May on the journalist’s Facebook page, which has 26,000 followers. Warsame reported that the woman was the second to accuse the Sanaag Appeals Court chairman of physical assault following another woman who came out in January with similar allegation. Warsame told SJS that instead of investigating the abuse allegations against the court official, he was arrested and held at Erigabo Prison for four days before being released without charge. He told SJS that his arrest was ordered by the appeals court chairman, who was upset by the report. The recent woman he interviewed was also arrested and held at a prison outside Erigabo, according to Warsame and local sources.

On 11 May 2025, police in Erigabo arrested journalist Mohamed Abdi Hassan (known as Onkod) after he published a video report in which local clan members in Jiidali village, Sanaag region, threatened to take action against armed men in the area whom they accused of blocking the movement of commercial trucks along the road. A representative of the Somaliland Journalists Association (SOLJA) told SJS that authorities accused the journalist of “inciting violence,” but he was released after three days in detention without being charged.

On 23 May 2025, police in Hargeisa arrested freelance journalist Abdiqadir Mohamed Aw-Hassan, who publishes content on his Facebook page. His arrest followed accusations that he had shared a now deleted video clip that was allegedly critical of President Abdirahman Abdillahi Irro. According to two local journalists who initially saw the video, the clip was more of a “satirical piece”, depicting the Somaliland president in women’s clothing, which likely angered the authorities. Following his arrest, Abdiqadir was detained at Hargeisa Police Criminal Investigation Prison.  On 4 July, the Maroodi-Jeh court in Hargeisa sentenced him to six months in jail for “insulting the president.” However, the Somaliland Attorney General’s Office announced plans to appeal the verdict, a source who attended the court told SJS.  A representative of SOLJA told SJS that another court hearing is expected to review the Attorney General’s appeal.  Despite his imprisonment, Abdiqadir’s Facebook page remains active using “admin note” updates. The page has 78,000 followers.

Photos from left to the right: Warsame Kaafi Abdirashid Aden, Mohamed Abdi Hassan (Onkod) and Abdiqadir Mohamed Aw-Hassan. | SJS/Combined.
Photos from left to the right: Warsame Kaafi Abdirashid Aden, Mohamed Abdi Hassan (Onkod) and Abdiqadir Mohamed Aw-Hassan. | SJS/Combined.

On 20 March 2025, the Somaliland Intelligence Agency detained local journalist Yusuf Abdalle Yusuf, who publishes for the YouTube-based Xog Ogaal News. According to local media, national intelligence officers raided his hotel in Hargeisa and detained him around midday.  On 16 March, Yusuf had reported on the Xog Ogaal YouTube channel that some clan militias in El Afweyn, Sanaag region, had refused to join Somaliland forces and had instead mobilized themselves in a remote rural area. Following his detention, Yusuf was held at the intelligence headquarters for four hours, during which he was questioned before being released. Local media reported that he was warned not to speak publicly about his detention or the officers involved.

On 18 March 2025, police in Erigabo arrested journalist Abdiladif Sa’id Asayr after he published vox-pop interviews and Facebook posts featuring members of local clans who were displeased with the Somaliland government’s actions to exclude certain clan militias in the Sanaag region from recruitment into the Somaliland army. Journalists in the region told SJS that the arrest was ordered by the Somaliland Minister of Defense, who was reportedly displeased with the journalist’s report. Abdiladif was released a few days later. However, on 30 May 2025, Abdiladif was arrested again—this time in Hargeisa—reportedly on the orders of the Director General of the Somaliland Ministry of Interior. The arrest followed a Facebook post -now deleted- by the journalist alleging that the Director General had failed to contribute to development efforts in his home region of Sanaag. Abdiladif was released after spending four days in detention in Hargeisa. The Director General could not be reached for comment by SJS.

On 8 March 2025, Somaliland police in Erigabo arrested local journalist Mohamed Suute, who publishes on Facebook, after he posted vox-pop interviews with members of local clans criticizing the Somaliland government’s efforts to nationalize clan militias in the Sanaag region. His arrest was carried out without any warrant. He was released on 10 March 2025 without charge, following pressure from local journalists. This was the second time Mohamed Suute was arrested in 2025, indicating an increasing crackdown by local authorities on online criticism.

Photos from left to the right: Yusuf Abdalle Yusuf, Abdiladif Sa'id Asayr, Mohamed Suute and Qayraan Aadan. | SJS/Combined.
Photos from left to the right: Yusuf Abdalle Yusuf, Abdiladif Sa’id Asayr, Mohamed Suute and Qayraan Aadan. | SJS/Combined.

On 1 March 2025, Somaliland police in Erigabo arrested journalist Qayraan Aadan after he published vox-pop interviews on his Facebook page featuring members of local clans who were criticizing the Somaliland government’s efforts to nationalize clan militias in the Sanaag region. Local journalists and Qayraan himself told SJS that the arrest was ordered by the Somaliland Minister of Defense, who was reportedly displeased with the journalist’s reporting. A representative of SOLJA told SJS that the arrest was unlawful and confirmed that Qayraan was released on 4 March 2025, after spending three days in a cell in Erigabo. Following his release, Qayraan told SJS that his Facebook page, which had over 40,000 followers, was suspended due to multiple copyright claims—an act he believes was a deliberate attempt to suppress his critical reporting in the region.

“We are deeply alarmed by the growing pattern of arrests, detentions, and intimidation of journalists in Somaliland—especially in the Sanaag region,” said SJS Secretary General, Abdalle Mumin. “The arrests and detentions of 10 journalists between March and July this year who were arrested just for their reporting reflect a disturbing attempt to silence independent reporting through arbitrary detentions and politically motivated court proceedings. We urge Somaliland authorities to end these violations, stop targeting critical voices, and uphold the media freedoms guaranteed in their own constitution.”

Woman journalist seized by NISA, forced into voter registration in Mogadishu

By
Admin
-
0
Journalist Shukri Caabi Abdi. | PHOTO Credit/SJS.
Journalist Shukri Caabi Abdi. | PHOTO Credit/SJS.

MOGADISHU, Somalia, 5 July 2025 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) strongly condemns the physical assault and unlawful seizure of Mogadishu-based woman journalist Shukri Caabi Abdi on Thursday, 3 July 2025, by individuals believed to be affiliated with Somalia’s disputed electoral commission.

This appalling act, which involved forcibly registering her in a controversial voter registration exercise, is a grave violation of her personal liberty and press freedom.

On Thursday morning, shortly after 8:00 a.m., Shukri was on her way to her news station when the tuk-tuk taxi she was riding in was stopped by several armed men from the national intelligence between Buulo Xuubey area and Ceel Qalaw in Wadajir district, Mogadishu.

The men questioned her about whether she had registered as a voter.  Shukri clearly stated that she had not and had no intention of doing so.

Despite her refusal, the men forcibly took her to a nearby school building where she witnessed several other pedestrians also taken off the streets against their will.

“Initially, they didn’t know I was a journalist,” Shukri told SJS. “But once they saw my journalist ID card, they began harassing me. They confiscated my ID card—which is still missing—and also took my phone.”

She was held in the building for several hours, during which her personal details, including her photo and full name, were forcibly taken without her consent.

She was later released but could not make it to work that day and returned home.

Last week, the head of the disputed electoral commission, Abdikarin Ahmed Hassan, stated that no one would be forced to register; however, incidents like the case of Shukri continue to occur, with many similar violations against ordinary citizens going unreported.

The abduction of Shukri Caabi is one among dozens of reported cases in Mogadishu where armed officers from the police or the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) have been accused of forcibly taking citizens—especially women and youth—from the streets and compelling them to register as voters without consent.  Media houses trying to report these incidents are also targeted. This constitutes a serious violation of civic autonomy and human rights.

  • On 12 June 2025, NISA agents raided the private studio of Himilo Somali TV in Mogadishu to remove an interview critical of the disputed federal electoral commission. The interview featured a young man who said he was abducted by NISA and forcibly registered. He later went public to denounce the incident.
  • On 5 May 2025, NISA agents raided the home and studio of journalists Bashir Ali Shire and Mohamed Omar Baakaay in Mogadishu’s Shibis district. The journalists had reported on the forced voter registration of vulnerable women and youth. The raid came a day after Farah Adani, the commissioner of Karaan district, publicly incited violence against journalists, calling on supporters to “break their bones” and “bring them in handcuffs.” Adani, now a member of the president’s newly formed party, later issued a public apology.
  • On 28 May 2025, Turkish-trained Haramcad forces assaulted three journalists in Kaxda district—Nuh Farah Mahad, Mohamed Abdukadir, and Mohamed Abdi Hassan—who were covering a protest by local elders excluded from the registration. The journalists were detained, threatened, and nearly shot by gunmen, according to their accounts. That same day, RTN TV reported door-to-door raids in Kaxda, forcing residents to register.
  • On 26 May, journalists covering alleged abductions of day laborers in Kaxda were attacked. Reports revealed that porters and construction workers were lured with false promises of jobs, then detained and registered by force.
  • Similar incidents occurred at Bakara Market, where journalists documenting forced registration were harassed and their equipment confiscated. Shopkeepers and vendors told media outlets that they were abducted and compelled to register.
  • Throughout June 2025, media reports continued to highlight increasing incidents of forced voter registration, targeting students, teachers, and everyday pedestrians in areas such as Bakara Market, Hodan district, and Industrial Road, which connects to Dayniile, Yaaqshiid, and Huriwa.

Forcing any citizen—especially a journalist, whose duty is to hold those in power accountable—into political participation against their will is a serious violation of democratic norms, civic freedom, and press independence. Such actions amount to political violence, and when directed at women, may also constitute gender-based violence and assault.

“We strongly condemn the seizure of journalist Shukri Caabi Abdi on Thursday in Mogadishu by individuals believed to be associated with Somalia’s disputed electoral commission,” said SJS Secretary-General Abdalle Ahmed Mumin. “Shukri’s journalist ID card must be returned securely and immediately.”

“We call on Somali authorities to urgently investigate this incident, ensure Shukri’s safety, and hold those responsible accountable. Attempts to silence or intimidate the press through threats, abduction, or violence are unacceptable and must be confronted with justice,” added Mr. Mumin.

SJS Baraarug Campaign holds civic engagement and training workshop in Galkayo

By
Admin
-
0
SJS Baraarug Campaign conducted a one-day civic engagement and media training workshop in Galkayo, Mudug region on Sunday 22 June, 2025. | PHOTO/SJS.
SJS Baraarug Campaign conducted a one-day civic engagement and media training workshop in Galkayo, Mudug region on Sunday 22 June, 2025. | PHOTO/SJS.

GALKAYO, Somalia, 24 June 2025 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) / Baraarug Campaign, conducted a one-day civic engagement and training workshop in Galkayo, Mudug region.  The workshop focused on promoting civic rights, conflict resolution, gender equality, and freedom of expression and inclusive peacebuilding through responsible journalism and community participation.

Held in the divided city of Galkayo—a hotspot of inter-clan tensions and climate-driven displacement—the workshop brought together a diverse group of participants, including journalists, social media influencers, clan elders, women leaders, youth activists, religious scholars, IDP representatives, persons with disabilities, and officials from both Puntland and Galmudug regional states.

Mudug, located in central Somalia, remains one of the most conflict-prone regions in the country. Divided between Puntland (north) and Galmudug (south), with Galkayo also split between the two, the region suffers from overlapping jurisdictions, governance disputes, and cyclical violence.

The worsening climate crisis—especially recurrent droughts—continues to deepen the region’s vulnerability. Water and pasture scarcity have triggered deadly clashes between communities, displaced thousands, and pushed many young people into irregular migration. Women and youth are disproportionately affected, with more than 75% of gender-based violence (GBV) cases reported in IDP settlements where psychosocial services are minimal or nonexistent.

SJS documentation shows Galkayo has been the second deadliest city for journalists in Somalia over the past decade, after Mogadishu. Crimes against journalists are rarely prosecuted, and impunity remains a serious concern.

The SJS/Baraarug workshop aimed to explore how local media and civic voices can support peace rather than perpetuate division.

SJS Baraarug Campaign conducted a one-day civic engagement and media training workshop in Galkayo, Mudug region. | PHOTO/SJS.
Mohamed Sa’id Mohamud, a youth leader and co-founder of the Mudug Peace and Development Forum, speaks. | PHOTO/SJS.

Hassan Abdirahman Aden, Director of Media at Galmudug’s Ministry of Information and Culture, reflected on how local media in the past contributed to conflict by aligning with clan interests:

“At the beginning of the conflict in this region, media platforms were used to fuel tensions because they operated along clan lines. But today, we are witnessing a shift—local journalists are giving space to peace initiatives. The media no longer incites violence here. Instead, social media has become the new source of division,” he said.

Participants also raised concerns over the rise of unregulated social media content and influencers whose behavior risks inciting division.

Hassan Abdirahman Aden, Director of Media at Galmudug's Ministry of Information and Culture.| PHOTO/SJS.
Hassan Abdirahman Aden, Director of Media at Galmudug’s Ministry of Information and Culture.| PHOTO/SJS.

Voices of Women, Youth, and Elders

Women participants shared powerful testimonies about their evolving role in peacebuilding.

Habiibo Mohamud Abdi, Chair of the Galkayo Women’s Peace Committee, said:

“Initially, women were excluded from peace talks. Clan elders didn’t see us as relevant negotiators. But later, when 13 women from each side—Galmudug and Puntland—were included at the table, real peace began. Women were the key to achieving Galkayo’s current stability.”

Clan elder Abdukadir Ali Igal emphasized that most inter-clan fighting stems from disputes over land and resources:

“When we the clan elders say ‘go to war,’ youth follow. When we say ‘stop,’ they stop. The root causes are known to us, and the responsibility lies with us to decide between peace and war. That’s just the reality.”

Clan elder Abdukadir Ali Igal. | PHOTO/SJS.
Clan elder Abdukadir Ali Igal. | PHOTO/SJS.

But beyond clan dynamics, participants pointed to weak state institutions and widespread corruption as deeper structural causes of conflict.

Mohamed Sa’id Mohamud, a youth leader and co-founder of the Mudug Peace and Development Forum, highlighted the absence of state leadership:

“State collapse is why conflict keeps returning. Youth and women were excluded from the 2015 and 2016 peace agreements in Galkayo. However, in 2017, we youth forced our way in and joined hands across clan elders. That’s what led to the peace we enjoy today.”

Call to Action: Women’s Rights & Civic Media

MP Ibaado Yusuf Ahmed, one of the few women sitting in the Galmudug State Assembly, urged the media to do more in promoting civic education and gender equality:

“Women are still denied equal participation. Even in parliament, it’s a struggle. I call on the media to amplify women’s voices and support civic advocacy.”

MP Ibaado Yusuf Ahmed, Member of the Galmudug State Assembly. | PHOTO/SJS.
MP Ibaado Yusuf Ahmed, Member of the Galmudug State Assembly. | PHOTO/SJS.

The Secretary General of SJS, Abdalle Mumin stated:

“In a region marked by division and hardship, the role of independent, responsible journalism has never been more critical. Through our Baraarug Campaign, we are empowering journalists, women, and youth to become catalysts for peace, inclusion, and the defense of civic rights. Only by working together can we build a stable and just for all Somalis.”

The Baraarug Campaign, led by SJS in collaboration with Somali civil society groups, aims to amplify youth and women’s voices in civic life using digital platforms and creative storytelling. It aligns with the Dutch Human Rights Policy, promoting civic awareness, gender equality, and freedom of expression—core values for democratic accountability.

Launched in December 2024, Baraarug empowers young Somalis to express themselves, advocate for inclusion, and mobilize both local and international solidarity for positive change.

More information about Baraarug visit our dedicated webpage: www.sjsyndicate.org/baraarug

A Proud Moment: SJS leader Abdalle Mumin wins the 2025 Allard Prize honour

By
Admin
-
0
SJS Secretary General, Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, honored with the 2025 Allard Prize for International Integrity.

MOGADISHU, Somalia 18 June 2025 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) and its network of members proudly congratulate its Secretary General, Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, for receiving an Honourable Mention at the 2025 Allard Prize for International Integrity, a prestigious global award that includes special recognition and a cash prize.

The award was announced on Tuesday night at a ceremony held in New York, USA, celebrating individuals and organizations demonstrating exceptional leadership, courage, and commitment to transparency, human rights, and the fight against corruption.

The award event was opened with a keynote speech by Sarah Chayes — an award-winning journalist, author, and former advisor to the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff — renowned for her expertise on corruption. In her address, she emphasized the importance of supporting anti-corruption efforts worldwide.

The award was announced on Tuesday night at a ceremony held in New York, USA.
The award was announced on Tuesday night at a ceremony held in New York, USA.

The Allard Prize for International Integrity is one of the world’s most significant honours dedicated to combating corruption and promoting human rights. Established in 2012 by Canadian human rights lawyer Peter A. Allard, the award continues to uplift and spotlight those who risk their lives in the fight against corruption and the pursuit of justice.

SJS President Mohamed Ibrahim stated:

“The entire Somali Journalists Syndicate team and the broader human rights movement in Somalia proudly congratulate our Secretary General, Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, for this well-deserved international recognition. Abdalle is not only a journalist who has repeatedly risked his life to speak the truth and hold the corrupt powerful accountable, but he is also a leader who has shown unwavering commitment to press freedom and human rights in Somalia. He truly deserves this award.”

This becomes Abdalle’s second major international recognition. In 2013, he was honoured for his outstanding human rights photojournalism work in Somalia. The 2025 Allard Prize is a testament to his continued courage and leadership.

The award was announced on Tuesday night at a ceremony held in New York, USA.
The award was announced on Tuesday night at a ceremony held in New York, USA.

Mr. Ibrahim further added:

“This recognition inspires all of us at SJS. It demonstrates that, despite the grave challenges Abdalle and our organization have faced — from harassment and arrests to threats and exile — we are not alone. The global community sees and values our work. That gives us the strength to go the extra mile.”

“For us at SJS, and for journalists across Somalia and around the world who are working under threats, intimidation, and censorship, this award is more than a recognition — it is a powerful message. It affirms that journalism matters. It reinforces our belief that fighting corruption, exposing abuse of power, and standing for human rights is not in vain. It gives visibility, hope, and encouragement to every reporter who dares to ask hard questions.”

Abdullahi Hassan of Amnesty International stated that “Abdalle Mumin and the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) have done extraordinary work in defending press freedom and advancing human rights in Somalia. Abdalle, in particular, has been severely persecuted for this.”

Muthoki Mumo of the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), in a video interview, also emphasized the importance of press freedom and the safety of journalists. She described the work of Abdalle and SJS as that of “an active press freedom advocate.” Muthoki also noted that CPJ has documented the killing of over 80 journalists in Somalia since 1992 — a stark reminder of the grave risks journalists continue to face.

In his acceptance speech, delivered via video link, Abdalle Mumin said:

“For over twenty years, I have put my life on the line for one belief: that journalism can expose corruption, demand accountability, and protect the rights of the voiceless. In Somalia, that belief isn’t just tested — it’s life-threatening. Tonight, I am deeply humbled to receive the Allard Prize award. It is not only a recognition of my work with the Somali Journalists Syndicate, but of the power of journalism to challenge kleptocracy, injustice, and fear.”

SJS extends its sincere thanks to the Allard Prize team, the organisers, staff, and Prize Committee for their tireless work in supporting integrity, transparency, and the protection of human rights defenders across the world.

The award was announced on Tuesday night at a ceremony held in New York, USA.
The award was announced on Tuesday night at a ceremony held in New York, USA.

Mahad Salad’s return to NISA signals a dark turn for press freedom in Somalia

By
Admin
-
0
Mahad Mohamed Salad, who orchestrated attacks on journalists and Somalia’s most vulnerable communities, returns to lead NISA.

MOGADISHU, Somalia 16 June 2025 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) expresses deep alarm over the reappointment of Mahad Mohamed Salad as Director of the Somalia National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA)—a move widely seen as a reward for his well-documented abuses against independent journalists, media institutions, and vulnerable communities, often involving threats, fear, and acts of violence.

Mahad Salad was initially appointed as NISA chief on 26 May 2022 but was dismissed on 4 April 2024 following numerous allegations of targeted attacks on media institutions, civil society groups, and minority communities, as reported by the media. Sadly no investigation was made into his crimes. He was reappointed on 1 June 2025 and officially assumed office Saturday 14 June.

Targeted Crackdown on SJS and Independent Media

On 10 October 2022, NISA agents raided the offices of the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) in Mogadishu after staff had completed their workday. CCTV footage obtained by SJS shows the operation was led by a former Al-Shabaab defector employed by NISA.

On 11 October 2022, SJS Secretary-General Abdalle Ahmed Mumin was abducted at Mogadishu Aden Adde International Airport and held incommunicado for 11 days in an underground cell. During his detention, he survived torture and an assassination attempt. On 13 April 2024, Banadir Court froze SJS bank accounts, using leaked private information supplied by Premier Bank, a bank tied to the Somali government. Further,  NISA officers interrupted SJS women journalists’ training in Mogadishu in January 2024.

SJS Secretary General, Abdalle Mumin.
SJS Secretary General, Abdalle Mumin. | PHOTO/SJS.

On 23 February 2023, Mumin was re-arrested by NISA and police officers under orders from Mahad Salad and in coordination with Deputy Minister of Information Abdirahman Yusuf Al-Adala. He endured 33 days of torture and mistreatment in secret facilities until he was released in late March 2023 and forced to leave the country.

Under Salad’s direction, journalists in Mogadishu and beyond were subjected to surveillance, arbitrary arrests, violence, and threats. SJS has documented the following incidents:

  • 30 November 2022: Journalists at the People’s House (Federal Parliament) were threatened with death or imprisonment for questioning lawmakers about the Villa Rays hotel attack.
  • 18 December 2022: UK-based Channel 4 correspondent Jamal Muhumed Osman, a Somali-British, was unlawfully detained and sent back by NISA agents while he was arriving for journalism assignment.
  • 19 December 2022: NISA officers assaulted Arlaadi Media reporter Mohamed Nur Mohamed inside the Parliament premises.
  • 24 December 2022: SJS legal officer Abdirahman Hassan Omar and staff members were unlawfully detained at Mogadishu airport by NISA agents under Mahad Salad en route to a journalist training in Hiiraan.
  • 24 December 2022: Arlaadi Media editor Aweys Bashir Abdirahman was beaten near KM4 by suspected NISA agents.
  • 10 February 2023: SJS legal adviser Abdirahman Hassan Omar was attacked by four armed men in a targeted assault. The attack occured in Bakaro market area controlled by NISA.
  • 20 February 2023: Radio Kulmiye journalists Ali Elmi Salad and Sakariye Mohamed Salad were arrested and interrogated by NISA.
  • 7 April 2023: NISA officer in-charge of the Mogadishu airport, Mahad Arab Dhiblawe issued public threats against SJS Secretary General Abdalle Mumin and journalists from Risaala Media following an interview Mr. Mumin gave to the radio in relation to his arrest and kidnapping by NISA in Mogadishu. Days later, the journalist said he was forced to remove an interview with Abdalle Mumin following online attacks from the Somali Ministry of Information.
  • In August 2023, SJS’s website and email systems were put offline by a wave DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks traced to IP addresses rented by criminal groups believed to be linked to NISA. The non-profit group Qurium which investigated the attacks and made its analysis indicated that it thwarted “nearly 20,000 IP addresses coming to SJS website with millions of requests” on August 18 and 19. The attack began on the heels of the kidnapping of SJS Secretary of Information and Human Rights, Mohamed Ibrahim Bulbul by NISA in Mogadishu.
  • On 17 August 2023, SJS Secretary of Information and Human Rights, Mohamed Ibrahim Bulbul, was kidnapped by NISA and police agents and held for 56 days after exposing police corruption.
Journalist Mohamed Ibrahim Bulbul, SJS Information and Human Rights Secretary. | Photo/File.
Journalist Mohamed Ibrahim Bulbul, SJS Information and Human Rights Secretary. | Photo/File.

Expansion of Abuses Beyond Media: Extortion and Extrajudicial Killings

Journalists and editors have reported to SJS how insiders working as informants within media houses monitored and threatened journalists critical of NISA. This has forced many Somali journalists into self-censorship or exile to avoid persecution.

Between May 2022 and April 2024, a new tactic emerged involving the use of bribes and social media trolls to discredit, harass, and threaten journalists and civil society actors. These troll networks—funded through covert channels by NISA—have systematically targeted government critics, often smearing their reputations or inciting violence against them online.

In some cases, journalists were also threatened by Al-Shabaab operatives after reporting critically on NISA leadership, illustrating the dangerous double-bind facing independent media in Somalia—caught between state repression and extremist threats.

Photo: A screengrab from CCTV footage shows the moment NISA gunmen raided the SJS office in Mogadishu on October 10, 2022.
Photo: A screengrab from CCTV footage shows the moment NISA gunmen raided the SJS office in Mogadishu on October 10, 2022.

In February 2024, journalists reporting on the murder of UK-trained Somali air traffic controller Abdinasir Muse Dahable—who was found murdered after being tortured—were threatened by NISA officers linked to Mahad Salad. The killing was linked to NISA officers under Salad’s command, one of whom fled to Nairobi. Five men who were also arrested by NISA following the Dahable’s death were reported to have endured torture under NISA.

No independent investigation has been carried out to date; however, local journalists told SJS they were threatened with “death or disappearance” if they spoke about the case.

On 18 March 2024, a Turkish drone strike in Afgoye based on faulty NISA intel killed 23 civilians. Amnesty International investigation found that civilians killed in the strikes included 14 children, five women and four men. Another 17 civilians were injured in the strikes: 11 children, two women and four men. All are from the marginalized Gorgaarte clan. Families seeking justice were threatened by NISA and accused of terrorist affiliations. Mahad Salad aides also threatened reporters on the ground who were investigating the incident.

SJS reiterates that holding Mahad Mohamed Salad accountable would be a critical step toward ending the entrenched culture of impunity—not only for attacks on journalists, but also for the widespread abuses inflicted on Somalia’s most vulnerable communities during his tenure—thereby contributing to lasting peace, stability, and the restoration of the rule of law in the country.

“Instead of holding him accountable, the Somali government has rewarded Mahad Mohamed Salad with his crimes, greenlighting more abuses against journalists and marginalized communities,” said SJS President Mohamed Ibrahim. “We urge the Somali government to immediately review this decision, remove Salad, and prosecute him. His victims deserve justice and protection. He should not be allowed to rule with terror again.”

“We also call on the international community, including press freedom and human rights organizations, to speak out and support accountability efforts—those who suffered under his leadership are still waiting for justice,” Mr. Ibrahim added.

Somali intelligence agents raid media outlet after reports of forced voter registration

By
Admin
-
0
A policeman is seen standing in front of a group of people who reportedly came for voter registration in Mogadishu on 28 May 2025. | PHOTO/Facebook.
A policeman is seen standing in front of a group of people who reportedly came for voter registration in Mogadishu on 28 May 2025. | PHOTO/Private.

MOGADISHU, Somalia, 13 June 2025 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) strongly condemns the Thursday morning raid on the office of the privately-owned online television platform Himilo Somali TV in Mogadishu.

The raid was carried out by armed members of the Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) in an apparent attempt to remove an interview deemed critical of the disputed federal electoral commission.

According to two journalists who spoke to SJS, at around 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, 12 June, fourteen armed NISA officers arrived at the Himilo Somali TV studio on Maka Al-Mukarama Road. Eight officers entered the premises while six remained stationed at the gate. The journalists, who were present inside the studio at the time, said the armed men terrorized the staff. The journalists locked themselves inside an office and refused to open the door. The NISA agents then contacted the station’s manager who were not inside at the time and demanded the removal of an interview broadcast earlier that morning.

In the interview seen by SJS, a young man revealed he had been “abducted from the street by armed men affiliated with the disputed electoral commission” in Mogadishu and was “forcibly registered as a voter without his consent”. The man expressed frustration, saying he felt “powerless and later tore up the registration documents” in protest.

A senior manager at Himilo Somali TV told SJS that the NISA agents also demanded the contact information of the young man interviewed—information the station refused to provide. The officers eventually left the studio but threatened to track down the television editor.  At the time of publication, the interview, which SJS had reviewed, remained available online.

Screenshot from an interview broadcast by Himilo Somali TV on Thursday, 12 June 2025.
Screenshot from an interview broadcast by Himilo Somali TV on Thursday, 12 June 2025.

This raid is not an isolated incident. It is part of an ongoing pattern of attacks targeting media outlets and journalists perceived as critical of the electoral commission.

The commission members were appointed in late November 2024 by the council of the ministers, and in December, they announced the selection of Abdikarin Ahmed Hassan, a close ally of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, as their chairman. Multiple sources confirm that Abdikarin holds dual Somali-American citizenship. His appointment and the commission’s voter registration activities have been strongly rejected by opposition groups and regional states, including Puntland and Jubbaland.

  • On 5 May 2025, NISA agents raided a residential home and media studio in Mogadishu’s Shibis district belonging to journalists Bashir Ali Shire and Mohamed Omar Baakaay. The journalists had previously spoken out about the abduction of “vulnerable women and youth” and their forced registration as voters. The attack occurred one day after Farah Adani, the Commissioner of Mogadishu’s Karaan district and a known supporter of the president, publicly incited violence against journalists. Adani urged supporters to “take machetes and sticks,” “break the journalist’s bones,” and even demanded “bring him in handcuffs.” He also labeled the journalist a “drug addict” and “worse than terrorists.” Following the threats, Mohamed Omar Baakaay went into hiding. Adani, now a member of the president’s new political party, later issued a public apology.
  • On 28 May, Turkish-trained Haramcad forces in Mogadishu’s Kaxda district targeted three journalists: Nuh Farah Mahad (Reporter, RTN TV), Mohamed Abdukadir (Cameraman, RTN TV), Mohamed Abdi Hassan (Reporter, Five Somali TV). The journalists were covering a protest led by local elders who had been excluded from the controversial voter registration process. Shortly after the elders’ press conference, the journalists were attacked by armed officers. They were detained for nearly an hour, threatened, and ordered to surrender their equipment. They were later released after a group of clan elders intervened. The journalists reported that NISA gunmen attempted to shoot at them with pistols. That same day, RTN TV reported that police were conducting door-to-door raids in Kaxda, forcing residents to register as voters.
  • In another incident on 26 May, journalists from multiple media outlets were attacked while reporting in Kaxda on the alleged abduction of local laborers by NISA. These laborers—primarily porters and construction workers—were lured with promises of employment, then locked up and forcibly registered as voters, according to media reports.
  • A similar occurrence took place at Bakara Market, where journalists were threatened and had their equipment confiscated while documenting cases of alleged forced voter registration in May. Several street vendors and shop owners reported being abducted by NISA and compelled to register against their will, media reported.
  • During this month (June 2025), media continued to report increasing incidents of forced voter registration affecting ordinary citizens—including students, teachers, and pedestrians. Victims report being stopped in public and having their photos taken without consent. Affected areas include Bakara Market, neighborhoods in Hodan District, and along Industrial Road, which connects to Dayniile, Yaaqshiid, and Huriwa districts.

SJS attempted to contact Abdikarin Ahmed Hassan for comment, but he was unavailable.

“The ongoing intimidation, raids, and threats against independent journalists and media outlets in Mogadishu who dare to report critically on the disputed voter registration process represent a dangerous escalation in the crackdown on press freedom in Somalia,” said Abdalle Mumin, Secretary General of the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS).

“Targeting journalists for exposing voter manipulation and abuse of power is not only unlawful—it undermines democratic principles, silences the voices of the Somali people, and erodes public trust in the system. We call on those involved to immediately end these attacks, hold all responsible parties accountable, and allow the media to report on violations freely and independently,” adds Mr. Mumin.

Galkayo police arrest two journalists; Somali Ministry of Information officials raid and loot Jubbaland State TV equipment in Mogadishu

By
Admin
-
0
Mohamed Abdul Aziz, Director of Radio Galkayo (left), and Ahmed Abdiqani Yusuf, a freelance cameraman (right). | PHOTO/Combined/ SJS.
Mohamed Abdul Aziz, Director of Radio Galkayo (left), and Ahmed Abdiqani Yusuf, a freelance cameraman (right). | PHOTO/Combined/ SJS.

MOGADISHU, Somalia, 9 June 2025 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) condemns the arrest of two journalists by Puntland police in Galkayo on 6 June, as well as the raid on the Jubbaland TV studio in Mogadishu on 3 June and the confiscation of its equipment.

On 3 June, Jubbaland TV reported that representatives from the Somali Ministry of Information in Mogadishu had “looted” their equipment, including “cameras, computers, and office supplies”, which were essential for the operation of their studio in Mogadishu.

A journalist working for the station told SJS that during the raid, the Jubbaland TV office was unlawfully taken over. Jubbaland TV, which is owned by the Jubaland state, had operated an office and studio within the premises of the Federal Ministry of Information in Mogadishu.

Photo: Screenshot from Jubaland State TV Facebook page 3 June, 2025.
Photo: Screenshot from Jubaland State TV Facebook page 3 June, 2025.

Since October 2024, a deepening constitutional and territorial conflict between Jubbaland and Somalia’s federal government has escalated—from political opposition to electoral disputes, legal warfare, and eventually armed conflict that broke out in December. The dispute has also resulted in the suspension of flights to several towns in Jubbaland.

On Friday, 6 June, Puntland State Police in Galkayo arrested Mohamed Abdul Aziz, Director of Radio Galkayo, and Ahmed Abdiqani Yusuf, a freelance cameraman. The pair were at Awale Football Stadium, where local authorities and members of the public had gathered for Eid-ul-Adha prayers.

Mohamed Abdul Aziz told SJS that he had gone to perform the prayers but was also aware that a group of local youth—previously featured in Radio Galkayo reports—were planning a protest against the city authorities. According to media sources, three of the youth involved in the planned protest were also arrested by police.

Mohamed Abdul Aziz told SJS that he received a phone call from Mudug Police Commissioner Mohamud Abdihakim shortly before his arrest. The commissioner warned him that Radio Galkayo should stop discussing the youth protests. In recent weeks, Radio Galkayo has been at the forefront of covering and discussing the youth-led protests.

Later that day, during a press conference, the Governor of Mudug Region in Puntland, Faysal Sheikh Ali, accused the youth of planning to stage a protest “organized without official permission.” He claimed they had a microphone mounted on a vehicle and had printed “slogans criticizing the city authorities.”

Radio Galkayo—a community-owned station and one of the longest-serving radio outlets in Puntland—condemned the arrests of the youth and journalists as “illegal.”  Since mid May 2025, youth in Galkayo have been organizing both online and offline protests demanding improved sanitation, a functional drainage system (as rains have blocked roads), the construction of Galkayo Airport, and the depoliticization of the Galkayo-Xarfo road, which remains suspended due to a dispute between Puntland state and the Somali federal authorities.

The two journalists were released on Saturday after spending a night at the Galkayo North Police Station, Mohamed Abdul Aziz confirmed to SJS.

“The Somali Journalists Syndicate strongly condemns the arbitrary arrest of Radio Galkayo director Mohamed Abdul Aziz and freelance cameraman Ahmed Abdiqani Yusuf in Galkayo, as well as the unlawful raid and looting of Jubbaland TV’s studio in Mogadishu by officials from the Ministry of Information,” said Abdalle Mumin, Secretary-General of SJS.

“These actions are not only illegal and abusive but are a clear attempt to intimidate independent media and silence critical reporting. We call on both Puntland authorities and the federal government to immediately end the harassment of journalists, return the confiscated equipment, and respect press freedom as guaranteed by Somalia’s Provisional Constitution and international obligations,” Mr. Mumin added.

1...567...59Page 6 of 59