HARGEISA (Baraarug) – In both Somaliland and Somalia, journalists are frequently detained and arrested unlawfully for carrying out their work.
Such arrests violate fundamental rights and pose a serious threat to press freedom.
The Somaliland Constitution clearly guarantees freedom of expression and of the press.
For example, Article 32 states: “Every citizen shall have the freedom, in accordance with the law, to express his opinions orally, visually, artistically, or in writing, or in any other way.”
It also declares that: “The press and other media are part of the fundamental freedoms of expression and are independent. All acts to subjugate them are prohibited, and a law shall determine their regulation.”
Despite these explicit constitutional guarantees, Somaliland continues to record one of the highest numbers of journalist arrests in the region.
Hodan Mohamed Ali, a human rights attorney based in Hargeisa, says that arrests of media professionals have become rampant and recurrent.
“Arrests of journalists have become a recurring issue. There are also cases where private individuals detain journalists for reporting critically about them, and this is illegal,” Hodan told Baraarug.
According to Hodan, one of the main reasons for this problem is the absence of a professional and protective media law in Somaliland.
“In order to stop the arrests of journalists, the media law should be improved. Additionally, constitutionally guaranteed rights should be respected,” she added.
For Somalilanders, exercising freedom of expression is essential for achieving justice and building an effective state.
Hargeisa has faced chronic water shortages for years, affecting local communities’ access to clean water. Hodan notes that describing such conditions—lack of access to water or other basic services—is part of the right to freedom of expression and a fundamental human right.
Similarly, when citizens discuss issues such as inflation, rising food prices, or access to education, freedom of expression becomes a key tool for civic participation and accountability.
Hodan recommends that Somaliland accelerate the amendment of its media law and provide adequate professional training to journalists so they can better serve the public interest.
“I recommend that the amendment of the Media Act be accelerated and professionalized. Journalists should be trained and professionalized to improve their work,” Hodan concluded.