HARGEISA (Kaab TV) – Djibouti’s opposition party, the Rally for Action, Democracy, and Ecological Development (RADDE), has strongly condemned what it calls the “arbitrary arrest” of a journalist and a cameraman associated with its citizen-led program, “Speak Up About Your Rights.”
The two media professionals, Ms. Mouna Mohamed Hoch, a journalist, and Bouh Youssouf Walieh, a cameraman, were reportedly detained on Thursday, November 20, 2025.
According to a statement released by RADDE, Ms. Hoch and Mr. Walieh were arrested at their respective homes by “dozens of masked police officers without a warrant.”
The program, “Speak Up About Your Rights,” was initiated by RADDE and has gained significant traction by providing a platform for citizens to “denounce a deprivation of rights, an infringement of freedoms, or any other abuse.”
In a country where RADDE claims the media landscape is “completely controlled” by the state (citing only one radio station, one television station, and one newspaper, all state-owned), the citizen-led program quickly became a unique space for expression.
“This citizen-led program has been widely shared on social media and has generated considerable enthusiasm. It quickly went viral due to the poignant testimonies it has brought to light,” the opposition group stated. The content is published across RADDE’s Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok channels.
RADDE argues that the arrests constitute a “serious violation of press freedom, freedom of expression, and the right of citizens to be informed and to bear witness.” The detentions occurred just as the program was “gaining visibility and giving a voice to citizens deprived of any other media outlet.”
The party issued a strong demand for the immediate and unconditional release of Mouna Mohamed Hoch and Bouh Youssouf Walieh.
A halt to attempts to intimidate journalists and human rights defenders.