SJS raises alarm over increasing police violence against journalists covering Mogadishu protests

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August 17, 2024

Journalist speak — Radio Risaala journalist Shukri Aabi Abdi speaks during a journalists' protest against the police blocking their access to report on a planned eviction in Bakaro Market on August 10, 2024. | PHOTO/ SJS.

MOGADISHU, Somalia 17 August 2024 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) is extremely concerned about and condemns the violent attacks by police officers against journalists covering protests in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu in the last past weeks. This alarming trend sends a chilling message to journalists documenting and reporting on public anger over rising taxes, which have adversely impacted livelihoods.

On Tuesday, 13 August, a female journalist, Hibo Mohamed Mohamud, who reports for the online news channel BTN TV, sustained a leg injury after the tuk-tuk taxi she was traveling in was hit by police car. She was reporting from the scene of street protests staged by tuk-tuk taxi drivers in Mogadishu, who were protesting against increased taxes and demands for extortion.

Journalist, Hibo Mohamed Mohamud, who reports for the online news channel BTN TV, sustained a leg injury after the tuk-tuk taxi she was traveling in was hit by police car. | PHOTO/ Screenshot/ Rays TV.

The female journalist was holding her station’s logo microphone when the police car chasing the protesters, and sometimes shooting to the air, hit the Bajaj from the rear, causing her to sustain a cut on her left leg between the ankle and the knee. Hibo later told media that the flesh on her leg was torn, and a doctor performed surgery to stitch it up. She is currently recovering and out of hospital.

On Tuesday evening, the Mogadishu police announced that they had arrested police officer Farhan Ahmed Osman, a member of the Hodan District Police Station, after he attacked protesters with a police car. They stated that his behavior was “against the conduct of the Somali Police Force” and that he will be arraigned in court.

Radio Danan journalists, Abdullahi Ali Mohamud (reporter) and Idiris Abdi Hassan (cameraman). | PHOTO/ Courtesy/ SJS.

On Wednesday, 14 August, Mogadishu police physically assaulted and briefly detained two Radio Danan journalists, Abdullahi Ali Mohamud (reporter) and Idiris Abdi Hassan (cameraman), while they were reporting on the protests. The police confiscated the journalists’ phones and camera, deleted their footage before allowing them to leave.

Journalists from another station, Cosob TV, also reported that armed police officers confiscated their camera equipment on the same day while they were covering the protest at KM4 Junction in the city center.

On 10 August, a group of local journalists in Mogadishu were blocked from reporting on a planned forced eviction affecting public lands in the Bakaro Market. According to the reporters, police spokesman Abdifatah Adan Hassan, who had earlier invited the media, told them that “only cameramen” were allowed, refusing access to the reporters. The journalists later protested the incident and announced a boycott of covering police activities.

The journalists later held press conference to protest against the police blockage and announced a boycott of covering police activities. | PHOTO/ Courtesy/SJS.

On the morning of July 28, police officers conducting the eviction of IDPs at the former Ministry of Interior building in Mogadishu’s Bondhere district stopped Somali Cable TV journalist Suleyman Ahmed Rage, confiscated his phone, and deleted footage and photos of the eviction and a protest by the idp community that followed the eviction. The police threatened the journalist with violence if he continued to record the eviction, forcing him to leave the scene.

“We condemn the police violence that resulted in the injury of journalist Hibo Mohamed Mohamud on Tuesday while she was reporting from the scene of the protests. We demand that all those involved face the full force of the law. We will not accept that such perpetrators are allowed to remain free, and we will continue to monitor this incident closely,” said SJS Secretary General Abdalle Mumin.

“We also express our extreme concern over the recent violent attacks, including detention, confiscation of equipment, and deletion of footage, against journalists covering protests in the past two weeks. Journalists performing this crucial and heroic duty must be able to do so safely,” Mr. Mumin added.

A week after his release on bail, journalist Alinur Salad is unable to conduct journalism; President Hassan has not fulfilled his promise to drop the case

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August 4, 2024

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Dawan Media director and journalist, Alinur Salad. | PHOTO/Courtesy.

MOGADISHU, Somalia, 04 August 2024 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) calls on Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to instruct his attorney general to drop the politically-motivated charges against Dawan Media director and journalist Alinur Salad, who is currently out of jail on bail.

A week has passed since Alinur Salad was released on bail, guaranteed by a member of parliament on the afternoon of Saturday, 27 July. The journalist was detained on 22 July and spent six days in detention due to his reporting about khat (a stimulant plant). Alinur reported that “after chewing at night, the Somali security forces go to sleep in the morning, giving Al-Shabaab the chance to attack and kill many soldiers.” The one-minute video report, published on Dawan TV and Alinur’s personal Facebook page, also questioned how a government official involved in the khat business for profit could claim to be building a national army. The report, which was now removed from the journalist’s platforms, is deemed critical of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who was allegedly part of the khat business.

Banadir Regional Court sources told SJS that on Tuesday, 23 July, the court remanded Alinur for 45 days in detention with a charge sheet forwarded by the attorney general’s office. It states five charges under the Somali penal code: Art. 220 (Offending the Honour or Prestige of the Head of the State); Art. 402 (Obscene Acts); Art. 403 (Obscene Publications and Performances); Art. 451 (Insult); Art. 452 (Defamation).

Both court sources and family representatives have informed SJS that the bail conditions prohibit Alinur from traveling and speaking to the media, effectively preventing him from conducting his journalistic work.

Family members told SJS that upon meeting President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud alongside clan elders last week, the president admitted his involvement in the journalist’s detention and promised the clan elders that he would order the attorney general to drop the charges.

“A week has passed now, and nothing has happened. It seems the president is not willing to allow Alinur’s full freedom,” one family member told SJS, requesting anonymity.

The family is also concerned for Alinur’s security.

SJS calls for President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to tell his attorney general to drop the case and refrain seeking further retribution against Alinur Salad for exposing the khat trade. The president and other government officials should accept critical journalism that sheds light on their actions and decisions, using it as a tool for improvement and accountability. Instead of resorting to retribution or punitive measures such as jailing journalists, they should protect the freedom of the press and recognize its vital role in a transparent and democratic society.

“We are indeed very concerned that journalist and director of Dawan Media, Alinur Salad, is not yet able to conduct his journalism work because of the conditions in his bail granted a week ago. His family is also concerned for his safety after President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud failed to uphold his promise of ordering his attorney general to drop the case, which was politically-motivated,” said SJS Secretary General, Abdalle Mumin.

“We call for the president to instruct his attorney general and court officials to stop pursuing the politically-motivated charges and allow Alinur Salad his full freedom. The president should refrain from going after journalists and other critics who reveal his government’s actions. Respecting independent journalism is crucial for fostering a culture of openness, accountability, and progress in Somalia,” added Mr. Mumin.

SJS Trains journalists in Southwest Somalia to enhance climate change reporting and climate justice

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July 30, 2024

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Baidhabo: 15 local journalists complete training on climate change reporting and climate justice from 22 -24 July, 2024. | PHOTO Credit/ SJS.

MOGADISHU, Somalia, 30 July 2024 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) completes training for 15 local journalists in Southwest State, Somalia, as part of its ongoing initiative to enhance climate change reporting and climate justice in the country.

The three-day journalists’ training, attended by 15 reporters, was held in Baidoa from 22-24 July. With funding from Medico International, SJS has trained 30 local journalists, including women reporters from the worst-affected communities in Mogadishu, Lower Shabelle, and Jubbaland’s Gedo region from 2022 to 2023. This year, we plan to add 30 more journalists from the Southwest and Hirshabelle regional states, which have recently been hit by a series of climate-related incidents.

Prior to the training, the Southwest State cabinet held a special meeting and issued a call for increased awareness of the impact of climate change and, for preparing local populations with adaptation and mitigation strategies. SJS also conducted a local assessment by asking both journalists and affected communities about the level of climate change impact and the best ways to raise awareness through the media. A video documentary on this assessment is available online.

“I think I am now capable of preparing reports that not only address the problems of climate change but also focus on finding solutions to the challenges faced by the communities, the environment, and livestock,” said Mohamed Ali Baaqow, a journalist at radio Voice of Bay and Bakool.

Many of the journalists selected for the training, including Mohamed and his colleagues, had not previously received training on climate change issues emphasizing that the challenge lies not only in the impact of climate shocks witnessed by the communities but also in the lack of understanding among local communities and the media about why recurring climate change events are occurring.

Journalist Nurto Hussein from Radio Warsan makes a presentation during the three-day journalists training on climate change and climate justice in Baidoa from 22-24 July, 2024. | PHOTO Credit/SJS.

“When interviewed people affected by droughts, floods, and other climate change-related issues, they often describe these problems as recurring and worsening. However, we as journalists often do not explore the underlying causes. That’s what I have personally gained from the training,” said Shamso Sharif Bataar, the head of news at Radio and TV of the Voice of Bay and Bakool,

South West State (SWS), known as the breadbasket of Somalia, is one of the hardest hit regions by food shortages. Over 80% of the sorghum consumed in Somalia is produced on rain-fed farms in the Bay region, and livestock from Bay and Bakol, particularly goats and camels, are highly valued nationwide. However, recurring droughts, insufficient rainfall and the threats posed by Al-Shabaab, are severely impacting crop production, leading to widespread food insecurity. Consequently, Baidoa, the temporary capital of SWS, now hosts thousands of internally displaced persons who have fled their homes due to conflict and food shortages.

Joining the SJS training on the last day, the SWS Deputy Minister of Information, MP Ahmed Bashir Ahmed stated that having skilled journalists who have received proper training can significantly increase community awareness on the issue of climate change.

Journalists gather for a training activity during the three-day journalists training on climate change and climate justice in Baidoa from 22-24 July, 2024. | PHOTO Credit/SJS.

“The government policy is to raise the awareness of the communities and educate them on this worsening impact of the climate change. I, therefore, urge you to implement the knowledge you gained from this training. It is crucial to tell the stories of those affected by these problems, raise public awareness and to highlight potential solutions,” MP Ahmed Bashir told journalists at the third and final day of the training activity.

SJS Secretary General Abdalle Mumin stated that, despite limited resources, SJS is working to build the capacity of local media to effectively report on the conditions faced by the most vulnerable communities in the midst of the climate change crisis.

The SWS Deputy Minister of Information, MP Ahmed Bashir Ahmed (left) hands certificate of completion to a journalist during the end of the three-day training in Baidoa. | Photo Credit/SJS.

“The injustice of climate change has led to unequal impacts among affected communities in Somalia. The most vulnerable, including women, children, and the rural communities, suffer disproportionately from climate change issues. This has also affected the security, the economy, and social cohesion,” Abdalle Mumin said.

“Half of the communal conflicts in Somalia are related to issues such as grazing land and access to water and food. This demonstrates that the effects of climate change is impacting peace and stability as well. This is why it is crucial for the local media and journalists to be part of the solution,” Mumin added.

SJS oo bogaadisay kaalinta suxufiyiinta ee doorashada Dowladaha Hoose ee Puntland

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July 23, 2024

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Sawirka: Saxafiyiinta ka soo warbixineysa goobaha codbixinta ee caasimadda Puntland ee Garoowe.

MUQDISHO, Soomaaliya 23 Luulyo, 2024 – Ururka Suxufiyiinta Soomaaliyeed (SJS) waxa uu bogaadinayaa doorka aan caadiga ahayn ee suxufiyiinta, oo ay ku jiraan haweenku, ay ka qaateen doorashadii Dowladaha Hoose ee Puntland ee Talaadadii 23-July-2024 ka dhacday saddexda degmo ee Garoowe, Dangorayo iyo Godob-jiiraan.

In kasta oo ay jiraan tababaro kooban, agab yaraan, duruufo shaqo oo adag iyo mushahar yaraan, suxufiyiinta waxay soo bandhigeen warbixinno joogto ah oo ku saabsan doorashada, kuwaas oo ay ka mid ahaayeen warbixino laba magaalo oo fogfog.

Suxufiinta waxay door muhiim ah ka ciyaaraan inta lagu guda jiro doorashada iyagoo hubinaya hufnaanta hannaanka doorashada, bixinta xogta saxda ah ee waqtiyaysan iyo inay fursad siiyaan codbixiyayaasha. Shaqada warfidiyeenku waxay muhiim u tahay dimuqraadiyadda curdanka ah ee Puntland, taas oo muhiim u ah muwaadiniin xog-ogaal ah oo wacyigashan.

Waxaa hadda laga joogaa nus qarni markii ugu dambeysay ee doorasho toos ah ka dhacdo Soomaaliya. Laga soo bilaabo 2002, Somaliland ayaa qabaneysay doorashooyinkeeda ‘Hal Qof Hal Cod’, balse waxa ay sheegtay in ay ka go’day Soomaaliya inteeda kale. Doorashada tooska ah ee Puntland, oo ahayd riyo dheer, ayaa rumowday bishii May ee sannadkii hore.

Doorashadan saddexda degmo, in ka badan 64,000 oo codbixiyeyaal ah oo iska diiwaangaliyay 80 goobood ayaa u codeeyay 431 musharrax oo u tartamayay 81 kursi oo dowladaha hoose ah, sida lagu sheegay xogta ay soo saareen guddiga doorashada Puntland (PEC). 23% musharaxiinta tartamaya ayaa ah haween.

Saxafiyad Xaawo Axmed Maxamed oo ka soo warameysa goob ka mid ah goobaha codbixinta ee Garoowe.

“Suxufiyiinta Puntland khibraddooda iyo tabobarrada ay u leeyihiin tebinta doorashada aad ayay u yar tahay, doorashada tooska ah waxay ahayd riyo muddo dheer soo jirtay, taas oo rumowday bishii May ee sannadkii hore, hase ahaatee illaa hadda saxafiyiinta maxalliga ah iyaga oo aan haysan tas-hiilaad badan iyo khibrad badan, waxay maanta muujiyeen dadaal aan caadi ahayn,” ayay tiri wakiilka SJS Puntland Xaliimo Cabdullaahi Cali.

“Waxaan si gaar ah u ammaaneynaa doorka haweenka warfidiyeenka ah oo qayb muhiim ah ka ah tebinta wararka doorashooyinka,” ayay raacisay.

Si loo baro cod-bixiyayaasha oo loo siiyo warar cusub dadweynaha guud, warbaahintu ayaa billawday tebinteeda toddobaadyo ka hor doorashada taasoo sii socotay illaa maalinta doorashada oo dhan. Iyadoo goobaha codbixinta oo furnaa 6:00 subaxnimo ilaa 6:00 galabnimo ee wakhtiga maxaliga ah, ay hadda xirmeen, saxafiyiintu waxay weli ku jiraan shaqada si ay u soo gudbiyaan wararka ugu dambeeya.

“Waxaan ku faraxsanahay in qaar badan oo ka mid ah xubnaheenna iyo warfidyeenka ay SJS tababartay ay ka faa’iideysteen tababarradaas la qabtay tan iyo 2021. Waxaan sii wadnaa in aan tababarno oo aan taageerno saxafiyiinta maxalliga ah. Waxaan sidoo kale sii wadeynaa u doodista xuquqda suxufiyiinta iyo helista xogta, anagoo aqoonsan kaalintooda muhiimka ah ee geedi socodka dimoqraadiyada Puntland,” ayay hadalkeeda raacisay wakiilka SJS ee Puntland Xaliimo Cabdullaahi Cali.

SJS commends the role of journalists in Puntland State Local Government Election

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July 23, 2024

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Journalists from privately-owned Sahal Cable TV and Puntland State TV during their election coverage on Tuesday, 23 July 2014. | PHOTO/Photo screenshot from video.

MOGADISHU, Somalia 23 July, 2024 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) commends the extraordinary role played by local journalists, including women, in the Puntland State local government election held on Tuesday, 23 July, 2024, in the three remaining districts of Garowe, Dangorayo, and Godobjiiraan.

Despite limited training, scarce resources, challenging working conditions, and low pay, journalists delivered extensive and thorough coverage of the election, which included reporting from two remote towns.

Journalists play a crucial role during elections by ensuring transparency, providing timely and accurate information, and giving a voice to the electorate. Their work is vital for Puntland’s nascent democracy, which benefits from informed and engaged citizens and giving voice to the candidates, who many of them were youthful women and men.

It is now over half a century since direct elections were last held in Somalia. Since 2002, Somaliland has conducted its ‘One Nomad One Vote’ elections but claims independence from the rest of Somalia. Puntland’s direct elections, a long-time dream, only became a reality in May last year.

For this particular election in the three districts, over 64,000 registered voters in 80 polling stations voted for 431 candidates contesting for 81 local government seats, according to the data released by the Puntland Election Commission. 23% of the contesting candidates are women.

Puntland State TV journalist, Hawo Ahmed Mohamed, during live election coverage on Tuesday 23 July, 2024. | PHOTO/Photo screenshot from video.

“Journalists in Puntland have limited experience and training in election coverage. Direct elections have been a longtime dream which only came as reality in May last year. But so far, the local journalists, with their limited resources and expertise, demonstrated exceptional work today,” said SJS Puntland representative Halimo Abdullahi Ali.

“We commend particularly the role of women journalists who are an important part of the local coverage,” she added.

Three journalists reporting from three different polling stations in and out of Garowe. Despite limited training, scarce resources, challenging working conditions, and low pay, journalists delivered extensive and thorough coverage of the election, which included reporting from two remote towns. | PHOTO/Photo screenshot from video.

To educate the voters and give updates to the general public, media coverage began weeks before the election and continued throughout election day. As the polling stations, open from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm local time, have now closed, journalists remained on duty to provide timely updates.

“We are glad that many of our members and journalists trained have benefited from those trainings conducted since 2021. We remain committed to training and supporting local journalists. We also continue advocating for journalists’ rights and access to information, recognizing their essential contribution to the democratic process in Puntland,” added SJS Puntland representative Halimo Abdullahi Ali.

Somali president should order the immediate and unconditional freedom of Journalist Alinur Salad detained in Mogadishu

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July 22, 2024

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Journalist and CEO of Dawan Media, Alinur Salad. | PHOTO/ Courtesy/ SJS.

MOGADISHU, Somalia, 22 July 2024 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) condemns the detention of the CEO of Dawan Media, Alinur Salad, in Mogadishu on Monday evening, as announced by the police. We call for his immediate and unconditional release.

According to colleagues, Alinur Salad was detained and held at the Waberi Police Station. A statement attributed to the Banadir Regional Police, published on state media, said the police arrested AliNur Salad Hassan, 38 years old, on allegations of “immorality, false reporting, and insulting the armed forces.” It further stated that “the police are investigating him. He will be brought before the competent court.”

Alinur’s detention followed a recent report that made connections between khat (a stimulant plant) consumption by Somali security forces, stating that “after chewing at night, they go to sleep in the morning, giving Al-Shabaab the chance to attack and kill many soldiers.” The one-minute video report, which was published on Dawan TV and Alinur’s personal Facebook page, also questioned how a leader involved in the khat business for profit can claim to be building a national army. The report was widely circulated and was deemed critical of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who was allegedly part of the khat business.

The journalist’s report was removed as of Monday evening, but it had already been widely circulated by social media users.

Journalists at Dawan Media told SJS that they have been receiving threats in the past due to their critical coverage of the government. Dawan Media hosts Dawan TV, a digital television station, and Mogadishu24, which produces a weekly English-language situational report podcast.

Before founding Dawan Media, Alinur Salad served as the director of communications at the office of the Prime Minister of Somalia. He also worked for BBC Somali in Mogadishu.

“I strongly condemn the detention of Alinur Salad, CEO of Dawan Media, and call for his immediate and unconditional freedom. The arrest of a dedicated journalist like Alinur, who serves the Somali people by reporting on critical issues, is a blatant violation of press freedom and international human rights laws, and an affront to the Somalia Provisional Constitution,” said SJS Secretary General, Abdalle Mumin.

“Journalists play an essential role in uncovering the truth, holding those in power accountable, and ensuring that citizens are informed about the realities affecting their lives. Suppressing the media not only undermines these values but also erodes public trust and transparency. We urge president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to order the release of Alinur Salad immediately and ensure that journalists can work without fear of retribution or intimidation for the government leadership -including the president. The media is not the enemy; it is a cornerstone of our democracy,” Mumin added.

SJS calls on Jubbaland to investigate the shooting incident involving journalists in Dhobley, urges Puntland to halt pressing criminal charges against a journalist in Garowe

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July 18, 2024

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From top left: Garowe-based freelance journalist Mohamed Salah; journalist Said Abdullahi Kulmiye, based in Galkayo; and Jubbaland-based journalists Sharma'arke Abdi Mahdi and Abdinur Hayi Hashi. | PHOTO/SJS.

MOGADISHU, Somalia 18 July, 2024 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) expresses concern about the recent violent threats against journalists in Jubbaland’s Dhobley town and the ongoing intimidation and pressure on journalists in Puntland. These incidents are part of the latest series of violations against press freedom in Somalia.

On 16 July, the Puntland Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Planning issued a joint press statement threatening to pursue criminal charges against freelance journalist Mohamed Salah in Garowe. The statement, seen by SJS, accuses the journalist of publishing “false and misleading information” regarding the suspension of registration for international and local NGOs in Puntland.

Garowe-based freelance journalist Mohamed Salah. | PHOTO/ Courtesy/SJS.

In his reporting, published on 13 July on his Facebook page with 700K followers, Mohamed Salah reported that “Puntland has stopped the registration of International and Local Organizations that work in aid and development.” He reported that this suspension has become a major obstacle to new projects and organizations, which rely on opportunities provided by development projects. The journalist’s reporting attributed the suspension to “a dispute between the Ministries of Planning and Finance, each of which wants to handle the registration process themselves”.

On 16 July, the Puntland Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Planning issued a joint press statement threatening to pursue criminal charges against freelance journalist Mohamed Salah in Garowe.

The ministries’ statement cited that they are seeking criminal charges against Mohamed Salah under the Somali Penal Code, specifically Article 371 (False Certification by a Person Performing a Service of Public Necessity) and Article 451 (Insult). They further stated that the journalist’s reporting “violated” Sharia Law and Article 6 of the Puntland Media Law. The ministries announced their decision to file a case with the relevant agencies including the Ministry of Information “for prosecuting and punishing the journalist”.

On 6 July, police officials in the Puntland-controlled north of Galkayo arrested journalist Said Abdullahi Kulmiye (Said Nadaara) following his social media reports that local police and gunmen stationed at checkpoints outside Galkayo were demanding additional taxes (extortion) from transporters on the Galkayo-Garowe road. Said Nadaara, who reports for the online portal Kasmaal Media and Universal TV, was detained at the police station that day after he was summoned by police. Fortunately, after SJS and local journalists broke the news of the journalist’s arrest on social media, Puntland leadership intervened and ordered Said Nadaara’s release. The journalist told SJS that he was freed without any charges.

Galkayo-based journalist Said Abdullahi Kulmiye (Said Nadaara). | PHOTO/ Courtesy/SJS.

Local journalists, however, told SJS that this arrest comes amid increasing pressure on journalists in Galkayo, with reports indicating that some authorities have threatened them with detention due to their reporting on regional events such as recurrent clan fighting, abduction of civilians and other violent activities in the region that affected local population.

On 14 May, four Jubbaland police officers attacked local journalists Sharma’arke Abdi Mahdi and Abdinur Hayi Hashi in Dhobley town. The incident, which occurred in the town center of the border town of Dhobley, involved one officer firing his pistol at the journalists, narrowly missing them, as confirmed by the journalists and police sources. The two reporters, who worked with Jubbaland State television and also contributed part-time to online media platforms, were apparently targeted due to their journalistic work, according to the journalists whom SJS had interviewed.

Journalists Sharma'arke Abdi Mahdi and Abdinur Hayi Hashi. | PHOTO/Courtesy/SJS. — Journalists Sharma’arke Abdi Mahdi and Abdinur Hayi Hashi. | PHOTO/Courtesy/SJS.

Local officials in Dhobley, who requested anonymity, indicated that the attack was related to a dispute between the Dhobley district administration and the journalists. Sharma’arke told the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) that they had previously covered issues unfavorable to the district commissioner, including the increased number of displaced people in the area who have complained about the lack of support from the authorities. After the intervention of Jubbaland State leadership, three of the policemen involved in the attack were arrested but were not charged. However, the fourth officer, who fired the pistol, remains at large and has not been arrested. As a result of this incident, journalist Sharma’arke Abdi Mahdi told SJS that he left Dhobley out of fear for his safety.

“In light of the recent attack on journalists in Dhobley, SJS is deeply concerned about the threats to press freedom and the safety of journalists in Somalia. The assault on Sharma’arke Abdi Mahdi and Abdinur Hayi Hashi is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who dare to report the truth in Somalia. We urgently call on Jubbaland State authorities to conduct a thorough and honest investigation into the 14th May incident to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and that such attacks do not occur in the future,” said SJS Secretary General, Abdalle Mumin.

“We also urge Puntland Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Planning officials to halt their pursuit of criminal charges against journalist Mohamed Salah. Journalism is not a crime, and efforts to silence the press through legal intimidation are unacceptable. Instead, officials of the two ministries, if any concern, should engage in constructive dialogue with the journalists and their associations to address any concerns and ensure that press freedom is upheld. In the midst of Puntland’s democratization progress, which is indeed commendable, we urge the Puntland State government to respect and protect the role of journalists in promoting transparency and accountability,” added Mr. Mumin.

Critical Somali state media journalist’s Facebook accounts restricted due to whistleblower report exposing the deputy minister of information

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July 17, 2024

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(Left) State media journalist Abdulkadir Isse and (right) a message from Facebook with a copyright claim regarding the journalist's recent report exposing the Deputy Minister of Information. | PHOTO/ Combined/SJS.

MOGADISHU, Somalia, 17 July 2024 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) calls for Facebook to lift the restrictions imposed on journalist Abdulkadir Isse’s profile and page after a targeted attack by individuals working at the Somali Ministry of Information and the Somali Telecommunication Authority, who are misusing Facebook Community Standards to target critical journalists like Abdulkadir Isse.

On 4 July 2024, Abdulkadir Isse, who works at the Somali state media and covers the military court, published a brief video report on his Facebook page, which has 452K followers, and his profile exposing massive corruption, power abuse, threats to journalists, and other allegations within the Ministry of Information, naming Deputy Minister Abdirahman Yusuf Omar Al Adala as the main perpetrator. On 10 July 2024, he published a full report of 7:03 minutes. The first report garnered 4.3k comments from the public, while the full report received over 4k comments at the time of takedown.

On 06 July, Somalia’s Ministry of Information, under orders from Deputy Minister of Information, Abdirahman Yusuf Al-Adaala, blocked a report filed by senior journalist Abdulkadir Isse Ali on a court hearing involving members of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA). The hearing concerned the shooting death of a 14-year-old schoolboy on 12 April 2014, in Mogadishu’s Garasbaaley neighborhood.

According to Abdulkadir Isse Ali, the Deputy Minister Al Adaala, who manages the government radio and television social media accounts, removed the journalist’s access to these accounts – particularly the SNTV Facebook page – and further restricted his access to the Ministry of Information building. Abdulkadir later posted his full report on his personal Facebook page and on the court’s Facebook page, which has 277K followers. Later that evening, SNTV published only video clips from the court hearing on its Facebook page, edited to remove Abdulkadir’s narrative report causing furious reaction in the comments.

“Upon publishing the report, I received email alerts and inbox notifications on my Facebook with a copyright claim, followed by more Community Standards violations. I knew this was my content and replied to Facebook, but it did not work,” Abdulkadir told SJS. “My Facebook page remains unpublished while my profile is restricted, preventing me from even communicating via Facebook.”

Facebook message indicates copyright claim for Abdulkadir Isse page and profile.

As a result of these claims, Abdulkadir’s page was unpublished on July 16, and his user profile has been restricted, making him unable to post. Upon reviewing the messages and emails Abdulkadir received, SJS found that the dubious copyright claims were made under two names. The first claim was made by an unknown Facebook user “Baaba key L,” who claimed ownership of a 7:03-minute audio segment and a 7:02-minute video segment of Abdulkadir Isse’s work. The second claim came from another unknown Facebook user “Kajoog.”

None of the two users have public profiles. SJS believes that both of the users are dubious accounts created by individuals at the Ministry of Information and the Somali National Communication Authority (NCA). We have previously documented collaborations between the NCA, the Ministry of Information, and the national intelligence agency (NISA).

“With over 2.96 billion monthly active users as of the first quarter of 2023, it is estimated that Facebook has tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of new user profiles are created every day. The most saddest part is that we have witnessed that some of these profiles and pages are created by dubios users who either impersonate others or just to troll, target and harass people online including journalists,” says SJS Secretary General Abdalle Mumin.

Facebook, owned by META, remains a vital source of news and information in Somalia and the wider region of the Horn of Africa, where traditional media infrastructure is limited, with many relying on online platforms for updates on local and international news. As documented by SJS, with the growing suppression of Somali journalists in the country, Facebook has become an important platform for freelancers and independent journalists who are shifting to online from mainstream media stations.

SJS calls for Facebook to review the restrictions on journalist Abdulkadir Isse’s page and profile and allow critical journalists like him to safely and independently report on issues of public interest without further restrictions.

“SJS continues to address this matter with Facebook teams and will continue to do so. However, we express our concern that Facebook, which remains a vital platform for information sharing for a growing number of media stations and journalists in Somalia and Somaliland, is misusing Community Standards such as Facebook’s Dangerous Organizations and Individuals policy, copyright claims against journalists’ own original content, and implementing poor safety measures. These issues continue to threaten the work of journalists and the right to freedom of expression and press freedom,” added Mr. Mumin.

Senior journalist’s reporting blocked amid rising intimidation and censorship on state-media journalists in Somalia

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Admin

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July 7, 2024

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Senior state media journalist Abdulkadir Isse Ali’s reporting on Somali military court activities on Saturday 6 July, 2024. | PHOTO/ Video Screenshot| SJS.

MOGADISHU, Somalia, 07 July 2024 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) condemns the restrictions imposed on senior state media journalist Abdulkadir Isse Ali’s reporting on Somali military court activities. This restrictive and threatening behavior against journalists’ labour rights continues to affect numerous journalists and is part of a series of recent violations against the press in Somalia.

On Saturday, 06 July, Somalia’s Ministry of Information, under orders from Deputy Minister of Information, Abdirahman Yusuf Al-Adaala, blocked a report filed by senior journalist Abdulkadir Isse Ali on a court hearing involving members of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA). The hearing concerned the shooting death of a 14-year-old schoolboy on 12 April 2024, in Mogadishu’s Garasbaaley neighborhood.

According to Abdulkadir Isse Ali, the Deputy Minister Al Adaala, who manages the government radio and television social media accounts, removed the journalist’s access to these accounts – particularly the SNTV Facebook page – and further restricted his access to the Ministry of Information building. Abdulkadir later posted his full report on his personal Facebook page, which has 452K followers, and on the court’s Facebook page, which has 277K followers. Later that evening, SNTV published only video clips from the court hearing on its Facebook page, edited to remove Abdulkadir’s narrative report causing furious reaction in the comments.

Abdulkadir Isse Ali has been covering the military court for the past seven years.

The pressure on Abdulkadir Isse Ali is not only about his reporting. He told the SJS that his salary had been suspended for the past five months, and when he complained, ministry officials informed him that the Deputy Minister of Information had authorized the suspension without any further explanation.

“They blocked my access to the Ministry, and my user IDs at the state media, especially Radio Mogadishu and SNTV,” Abdulkadir Isse Ali told SJS. “They have also suspended my salary for the last five months, which is my basic right.”

The journalist took to social media to reveal these incidents to the public. He also spoke on allegations of corruption involving the celebration of the 64th anniversary of Somalia’s national Independence Day on 1 July.

In a Facebook post on 1 July, Abdulkadir stated, “While the government made huge preparations in mobilizing resources to mark the national day, there were no media professionals who could at least translate this historical event given the wealth and manpower spent by the government.”

He alleged that individuals at the Ministry of Information were trying to use the coverage of the national day celebrations as “a money-making drive”.

“There were several attempts by Deputy Minister Abdirahman Al-Adaala to fire me from my job and put someone else in my position as the reporter covering the court, but these demands were rejected by the court officials,” Abdulkadir told SJS.

Two other journalists currently working at the state media, who requested anonymity for fear of losing their jobs, told SJS that editors and producers at both SNTV and Radio Mogadishu were instructed not to broadcast any news assignments from Abdulkadir Isse. “They say Abdulkadir is critical of the Deputy Minister of Information. Every report sent to the newsroom of SNTV and Radio Mogadishu is monitored by Al-Adaala before it is broadcast or posted on social media. Without his approval, you cannot do anything,” one of the journalists said.

Abdulkadir is not the only journalist at the state media who faces similar intimidation.

Former SNTV reporter Mohamud Abdinasir Soofeysane broke his silence to narrate how he was sacked and his credentials revoked in May 2021 when he was assigned to report from the office of the Prime Minister. | PHOTO/ Mohamud Soofeysane/ Facebook.

Last Thursday, former SNTV reporter Mohamud Abdinasir Soofeysane broke his silence to narrate how he was sacked and his credentials revoked in May 2021 when he was assigned to report from the office of the Prime Minister. “When then-Minister of Information Osman Dubbe appointed me to cover the office of the Prime Minister for the state media on 4 May 2021, Deputy Minister Al-Adaala blocked me and told me not to bother going to report there,” Soofeysane wrote on his Facebook page, expressing solidarity with Abdulkadir Isse Ali.

Meanwhile, a Gedo-based SNTV reporter told SJS that he had been denied his salary for the past two years despite promises of payment. “When I complained, I was told to speak to Al-Adaala, but he never responded to me when I contacted him about my payment. If I raise my voice, I fear he will fire me,” the journalist said.

On 13 March, journalist Sugaal Moalim Mohamud, who is employed by Somalia’s government-owned media, was suspended from his job and his salary cut in retaliation for expressing concerns that “if the Somali National Army (SNA) does not get real leadership and change, all the successes achieved in the past will end in failure similar to what happened in Caad, Camaara, and Shabeelow.”

“We knew that the Deputy Minister of Information, Abdirahman Al-Adaala, has long targeted independent journalists and press freedom unions such as SJS. However, what we are now witnessing is another level of intimidation, censorship, and threats against state media journalists who have sacrificed their lives to report from dangerous assignments,” said SJS Secretary General Abdalle Mumin.

“If these actions are not stopped and the Deputy Minister of Information is not held accountable, it will cause inevitable consequences for journalists who are struggling to carry out their professional careers in the country. This is not only a press freedom violation but also a violation of journalists’ labor rights and their human rights to work free from harassment and intimidation,” Mr. Mumin added.

SJS stands in solidarity with VOA, urges Somalia’s info ministry to cease obstructing the truth and suppressing free media

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Admin

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June 22, 2024

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Voice of America (VOA) logo. | PHOTO/VOA.

MOGADISHU, Somalia 22 June, 2024 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) stands firmly with the Voice of America’s (VOA) for their factual reporting on Somalia affairs in the midst of growing pressure and threats against independent journalists working on the ground in Somalia.

We condemn the Somali federal ministry of information’s unfounded attack on VOA’s reporting which can only be described as a clear attempt to obscure the truth and suppress the dissemination of factual information in Somalia.

VOA remains one of the most trusted international news media for the Somalis in the country and in the diaspora. The 20 June statement by the Somali ministry of information calling VOA’s report on 17 June “misleading” is utterly disgrace move intended to jeopardize the fundamental right of Somali citizens and the international community to be informed about the realities on the ground and hinders the public’s ability to make informed decisions. The VOA report simply quoted senior U.S. defense officials and corroborated with other sources mentioned in the article to report on that “Al-Shabab has reversed all Somali National Army gains made in central Somalia over the last two years and is now working with Houthi militants to expand its capabilities”. The report also included a response from Somalia’s national security advisor.

“If any report is to be considered misleading and inaccurate, it is the Ministry of Information of Somalia’s press statements. They should be ashamed of their continuous repetition of false and inaccurate, copy-pasted statements that do not reflect the reality of the situation in the country,” said SJS Secretary General Abdalle Mumin.

The SJS stands firm in solidarity with VOA journalists who are tirelessly working to provide the public with timely and factual reporting, regardless of whom it irritates. We also express our gratitude to the brave local Somali journalists who, despite the threats and intimidation they face, continue to report on what is happening in the country, including the situations at the frontlines where many of Somalia’s brave soldiers have lost their lives due to terrorist advancements. Many local media houses, as documented by SJS, are unable to report a single incident about these developments and how they have impacted our society, including the family members of the armed forces who are mourning the losses of their loved ones.

On 13 March, journalist Sugaal Moalim Mohamud, who is employed by the Somalia government-owned media, was suspended from his job and his salary cut in retaliation for expressing his concerns that “if the Somali National Army (SNA) does not get real leadership and change, all the successes achieved in the past will end in failure similar to what happened in Caad, Camaara, and Shabeelow.” This is a clear indication that any journalist who dares to report anything different from what the Somali government wants will be subjected to retribution.

A free and independent press is the cornerstone of any democratic society, serving as a watchdog that holds power to account and ensures transparency. We call on the Somali government to respect and uphold the principles of press freedom and to cease its attempts to silence independent reporting. We urge the international community to stand in solidarity with independent media and to support efforts to protect journalists from intimidation and retribution for their independent reporting.

“In these critical times, the role of independent media in Somalia is more vital than ever. Somalia is at a dangerous junction and only independent and credible reporting can informed decisions be made. That is why we at SJS continue to advocate for a free press and the protection of journalists who strive to bring the truth to light,” added Mr. Mumin.

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