The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) has welcomed the release of journalist Shucayb Daad Mohamed in Bosaso, Puntland, after he was detained for three days by the Puntland Intelligence and Security Agency (PISA).
The media rights group has urged Puntland authorities to uphold press freedom and respect the constitutional rights guaranteed under both the Puntland Constitution and Somalia’s Provisional Federal Constitution.
According to SJS, Shucayb, a news reporter and programming officer with the privately owned Sahal Cable TV, was arrested by PISA officers at Bosaso Airport on July 20, 2026, before being taken to the agency’s headquarters in central Bosaso.
During his detention, his mobile phones were confiscated and remained in the custody of intelligence officials until the day after his release.
The journalist told SJS that he was initially held in a dark room before being transferred to another cell, where he was questioned about his recent reporting on the closure of Bosaso’s markets and disruptions at the port following protests by traders against increased port taxes.
A statement issued by Sahal Cable TV on July 21 described the detention as unlawful and called for his immediate release.
Shucayb was freed on July 22 following pressure from government officials and local journalists, although his phones were not returned until the following day. No charges were filed against him.
SJS noted that Shucayb had previously reported on Puntland’s ongoing security operations against armed groups in the Bari region.
The organization also highlighted that Shucayb is the fourth journalist arrested in Puntland within four weeks, pointing to what it described as growing pressure on media freedom in the semi-autonomous region.
Two of the arrests occurred in Bosaso, where tensions have intensified following the closure of the port and local markets, as well as rising security disputes involving forces allegedly aligned with Somalia’s Federal Government.
Two other journalists, Suways Jama Mahmoud and Mohamed Abdi Nasir Hussein, were separately detained in Garowe and Qardho before being released after several days in custody.
According to SJS, journalists in Puntland say it has become increasingly difficult to report on the escalating political tensions between Puntland and the Federal Government, as well as ongoing military operations against extremist groups in the Al-Miskaad Mountains, due to fears of arrest or other reprisals.
While welcoming Shucayb’s release, SJS called on Puntland authorities to allow journalists to carry out their professional duties without intimidation or arbitrary detention.
“Puntland has long been regarded as one of the most open and democratic parts of Somalia, where respect for fundamental freedoms has distinguished it,” said SJS Secretary-General Abdalle Mumin. “We are therefore deeply concerned by the increasing arrests of journalists reporting on issues of legitimate public interest, including concerns raised by the people of Puntland.”
He added that a well-informed public is essential for a functioning democracy and stressed that protecting independent journalism ultimately benefits both the government and the citizens it serves.