Puntland security forces on Wednesday arrested journalist Suways Jama Mohamud (Gacayte) in Garowe, the capital of Puntland, in the latest incident raising concerns over press freedom and the treatment of media workers in Somalia.
According to local sources, Suways Gacayte, who is among the journalists working in Garowe and has previously worked with Puntland state media, was detained while passing through the city center. Witnesses said security personnel had earlier gone to her residence in Garowe during the early morning hours before later arresting her elsewhere in the city.
Puntland authorities have not yet issued an official statement explaining the reasons behind her arrest, and no formal charges have been announced.
The detention comes months after former Puntland Minister of Information Mahamud Aidid Dirir filed a legal complaint against the journalist earlier this year. It remains unclear whether Wednesday’s arrest is connected to that case or to any other investigation.
The arrest has renewed concerns among media rights advocates over the shrinking space for independent journalism in Somalia. Journalists across the country have increasingly reported facing arrests, intimidation, threats, legal action, and harassment while covering issues related to politics, security, governance, corruption, and public accountability.
Press freedom organizations have repeatedly warned that the growing use of arrests and criminal prosecutions against journalists risks creating a climate of fear and self-censorship. Many reporters say they are becoming increasingly reluctant to investigate or report on sensitive public interest issues out of concern for their personal safety or the possibility of detention.
Media advocates argue that harassment of journalists weakens public access to accurate information, undermines transparency, and reduces scrutiny of government institutions. They warn that when journalists are prevented from carrying out their work freely, citizens are deprived of independent reporting that is essential for accountability and informed public debate.
In recent years, both federal and regional authorities in Somalia have faced criticism from local and international press freedom organizations over repeated arrests of journalists, temporary media closures, confiscation of equipment, and legal cases targeting reporters. Rights groups have consistently called on Somali authorities to uphold constitutional guarantees protecting freedom of expression and ensure that journalists can work without intimidation or interference.
As of now, there has been no official response from Puntland security agencies regarding the circumstances surrounding Suways Gacayte’s detention, and it remains unclear whether she will be formally charged or brought before a court.