Special Report Archives - Kaab TV

Police Lead Crackdown on Media Freedom in Somalia and Somaliland in 2025 – Report

Kaab TV News Editor — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 22:02:52 +0000

MOGADISHU/GAROWE – Police in Somalia and Somaliland remained the primary perpetrators of attacks against independent journalists in 2025, amid a sharp rise in arrests, intimidation, and, in some cases, kidnappings—particularly targeting those critical of the authorities, the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) report found.

From January to December 2025, SJS documented 148 cases of media freedom violations during the year, marking a significant rise compared to 31 cases in 2024 and 25 in 2023. Out of these, 148 journalists were arrested or arbitrarily detained. Mogadishu recorded the highest number, with 118 cases of violations, mainly carried out by the police followed by the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA).

In Somaliland, 36 journalists were detained, particularly in regions such as Erigabo, Sanaag, and Awdal, where inter-clan tensions were high. At least five cases involved kidnappings.

In Mogadishu, the police chief Mahdi Omar Mumin (Moalim Mahdi) and district police commanders are repeatedly implicated in orchestrating, ordering, and, in some cases, directly carrying out unlawful arrests, detentions, and the confiscation of journalists’ equipment.

Nearly 90% of those arrested were never brought before a court and were released without charge after spending hours or days in detention. Additionally, over 10% of the violations affected women journalists, highlighting a concerning gender dimension to the abuses.

Despite these trends, both Somalia and Somaliland constitutions guarantee freedom of expression and media independence, including the right to speak, publish, and access information, with limitations only under the law.

However, the data clearly shows that police forces were the primary perpetrators, responsible for approximately 91.2% of all recorded violations in 2025.

The pattern of violations indicates that authorities in both Somalia and Somaliland are primarily motivated by efforts to control narratives around insecurity, avoid public embarrassment, and conceal security weaknesses amid Al-Shabaab’s terror attacks. Journalists were also targeted to limit debate on politically sensitive issues, including constitutional changes and contested election model and policies in Mogadishu.

Furthermore, these actions appear aimed at discouraging public mobilization, particularly around protests and social issues, while also concealing human rights abuses and misconduct by authorities or allied actors. In many cases, the violations serve to intimidate the media and enforce self-censorship across the sector.

In response, SJS calls for an immediate end to arbitrary arrests, physical assaults, equipment confiscation, and forced deletion of journalistic material. The organization also urges that police officers and security personnel be held accountable for violations against journalists, including targeted attacks on women journalists.

SJS further recommends urgent human rights training for police and other security forces in both Somalia and Somaliland to ensure respect for constitutional rights and press freedom.

Finally, SJS expresses serious concern over the lack of judicial independence in both Somalia and Somaliland. Judges and court officials are often political appointees, which undermines their ability to uphold constitutional rights and contributes to a climate of impunity for violations against journalists.

“Both Somalia and Somaliland are at a critical juncture where media freedom and open reporting are vital to keeping the public informed. However, we are deeply concerned that if these attacks continue with impunity, they will lead to widespread self-censorship, leaving journalists and local media unable to report on what is happening. We are already witnessing journalists leaving the country out of fear,” said SJS Secretary General Abdalle Mumin.

“We call for an immediate end to these attacks and full accountability for all officers involved,” Mr. Mumin added.

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Laftagareen Wins Re-election as Somalia’s South West State President in Swift Parliamentary Vote

Kaab TV News Editor — Sat, 28 Mar 2026 18:03:33 +0000

BAYDHABO (Kaab TV) – The Parliament of South West State of Somalia has re-elected President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed (Laftagareen) to lead the administration, following a swift election held in Baydhabo.

President Laftagareen secured 66 votes, while his opponent received 13 votes, according to the South West State Electoral Commission.

The presidential vote took place less than an hour after the same parliament elected its new Speaker, Dr. Ali Said Fiqi, and his deputies, making it one of the fastest electoral processes in Somalia, with both the legislative and executive leadership established within hours.

The re-elected president was immediately sworn in and delivered a speech criticizing the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), stating that the country’s political direction is not on the right track.

“The election we held today was forced upon us by the federal government, which for a long time opposed the holding of elections in South West State. We have not understood the agenda or direction it is pursuing,” said President Laftagareen.

He denied claims that he had entered into any agreement with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud regarding one-person, one-vote elections or constitutional changes.

“There is no such agreement that I have entered into,” he said, defending the right of federal member states to hold similar elections, citing Jubaland, which held elections at the end of 2024 despite opposition from the federal government.

President Laftagareen secured 66 votes, while his opponent received 13 votes, according to the South West State Electoral Commission.

Laftagareen also criticized remarks made earlier by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who said significant funds had been spent on preparing the election.

“President Hassan Sheikh should not tell the Somali people that he spent money. Where did the money come from? Was it his personal money?” Laftagareen said.

However, opposition figures in South West State had previously rejected the election, describing it as lacking full legitimacy and characterizing it as a “self-extension of power.”

Meanwhile, former Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo congratulated Laftagareen, stating that his election is important for political stability in South West State.

Farmaajo called on the new leadership to accelerate community reconciliation, liberate areas controlled by armed groups, and improve public services.

Similarly, former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed also congratulated the re-elected leadership and praised the newly sworn-in MPs, urging other administrations whose terms have expired to hold timely elections to avoid a political vacuum that could threaten national security.

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Somalia South West State: Complete List of New Parliament Members and Clan Breakdown

Kaab TV News Editor — Sat, 28 Mar 2026 17:40:22 +0000

BAYDHABO (Kaab TV) – South West State of Somalia formed a new parliament last night (27 March 2026), consisting of 95 members, as announced by the South West State Electoral Commission.

The regional MPs, most of whom are returning members, represent various clans from across the regions of South West State.

This new parliament, the third since the establishment of the South West State administration, will serve a term from 2026 to 2030.

The new assembly includes only 12 women, representing approximately 12.6% of the House of Representatives.

The MPs were sworn in today, Saturday (28 March 2026), and promptly re-elected Dr. Ali Said Fiqi as Speaker of Parliament, with Shamsa Mohamed Yarow as Deputy Speaker. Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed (Laftagareen) was also elected President of South West State, securing 66 votes.

Both Ali Fiqi and Shamsa Yarow held these positions during the past term of the regional parliament.

The elections took place in Baydhabo amid rising tensions, as forces and militias reportedly backed by the Federal Government of Somalia moved from Buurhakaba, stating their opposition to the electoral process and advancing toward Baydhabo. Meanwhile, South West State forces remain positioned on the outskirts of the city in a defensive posture.

The full list of newly elected MPs, as announced by the electoral commission, is as follows:

Dr. Ali Said Fiqi re-elected as the Speaker of Parliament of Southwest State on Saturday.

Shamsa Mohamed Yarow re-elected as Deputy Speaker of the Southwest State Parliament.

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Southwest State’s Move to Appoint Electoral Commission Breaks Somalia’s Electoral Stalemate

Abdalle Mumin — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 10:21:56 +0000

LONDON (Kaab TV) – On Monday morning [March 23, 2026], Southwest State of Somalia (SWS) announced the appointment of a nine-member State Electoral Commission. According to a press statement read by Presidential Spokesperson Ugaas Hassan Abdi, the body will be responsible for organizing the state-level elections in Southwest.

The commission consists of eight men and one woman, all from Southwest State.

Officials in Baidoa told Kaab TV that the electoral process is expected to be completed within 10 days starting from today.

Southwest State based its decision on Article 142 of the Federal Constitution, as well as its own regional constitution.

The move signals that SWS has charted its own path and eased the deadlock surrounding Somalia’s 2026 federal electoral process, which has been marked by uncertainty and disputes.

The Federal Government of Somalia has been pushing to centralize the elections under a commission previously appointed by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who has 53 days remaining in his term and is seeking re-election.

Federal Member States, particularly Jubaland and Puntland, have rejected this approach, opposing both the president’s unilateral electoral commission and recent constitutional changes, arguing that they lack broad consensus.

Regional administrations say the federal government’s efforts are aimed at extending its mandate and legitimizing constitutional amendments and electoral arrangements without agreement.

Somalia’s federal system comprises five Federal Member States and the Banaadir region. Southwest has now joined the ranks of Puntland and Jubaland in rejecting the constitutional amendments and any election process not based on consensus.

By appointing its own electoral commission, Southwest State has reinforced the likelihood that Somalia’s 2026 elections will follow an indirect model agreed upon by stakeholders—a path now clearly adopted by SWS.

Puntland held its elections in 2023, while Jubaland conducted its vote in 2024, both despite opposition from the federal government.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government, according to a directive issued by Interior Minister Ali Yusuf Hosh, has also rejected SWS move. Reports indicate that Mogadishu may attempt to organize a parallel election in Baraawe, where federal forces, including Haramcad and Gorgor units, were recently deployed after SWS troops withdrew.

If the Federal Government takes the parallel election route, it will not only risk undermining Baydhabo’s authority but could also trigger a backlash against its own legitimacy. Opposition figures in Mogadishu may respond by declaring themselves “president” after May 15, when the current term ends—effectively creating parallel leadership in the capital.

Galmudug, which has not endorsed the March 4, 2026 constitutional changes, and Hirshabelle, reportedly facing political and security pressure from Villa Somalia, have yet to clarify their positions.

With Southwest, Jubaland, and Puntland forming a majority among Federal Member States, their continued adherence to the 2012 Provisional Constitution and preference for indirect elections suggests that Somalia’s 2026 polls are likely to be based on a clan-delegate selection model.

Given that Somalia’s power-sharing system still follows the 4.5 formula, and no alternative has yet been agreed upon, many believe that the indirect, clan-based electoral model remains the only viable framework for maintaining political balance—one that continues to give a central role to traditional elders.

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Al-Shabaab Recruitment Video Exploits Forced Evictions in Mogadishu

Kaab TV News Editor — Sun, 22 Mar 2026 20:44:00 +0000

MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) – Al-Shabaab released a video a day ago as part of its propaganda campaign, widely believed to be aimed at recruiting new members, at a time when the group is seeking to expand despite losing some of its senior leaders.

The nearly 53-minute video was published in Somali, Arabic, and Swahili. It is believed to have been recorded days before the attack on Godka Jilicow prison on October 4, 2025.

Godka Jilicow is a high-security detention facility in Mogadishu run by Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), holding high-risk prisoners, including Al-Shabaab members and other suspects linked to terrorism.

In the video, the group showcases seven individuals who carried out the suicide attack on Godka Jilicow prison.

Al-Shabaab spokesperson Ali Mahmoud Rage (Ali Dheere) appears in the video alongside his 20-year-old son, Abdifatah, as they speak about the suicide unit being prepared for the attack.

The group claims that Ali Dheere’s son was among those killed in the operation.

Ali Dheere repeatedly refers to alleged forced evictions, accusing President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of displacing thousands of people from their homes in Mogadishu.

“Your homes have been taken, your children were filled in the prisons,” he said.

Abdirahman Mohamed Warsame “Mahad Karate,” a senior Al-Shabaab military leader with a $10 million U.S. bounty on his head, is also heard in the video. He similarly references displacement and the demolition of homes affecting families in Mogadishu.

The footage includes scenes from parts of Mogadishu where federal government forces are seen using bulldozers to demolish houses, displacing families—mostly women and children.

Mahad Karate also addressed those affected by the evictions, sending a message to displaced civilians.

Analysts say Al-Shabaab’s use of forced evictions in its messaging reflects an attempt to gain sympathy and support among Mogadishu residents.

Sources told Kaab TV that the group has also engaged with clan elders in the capital on the issue.

“The clip is primarily a recruitment propaganda video designed to show Al-Shabaab leaders are not special, not privileged, live the life of ordinary combatants, share in the ‘burden of sacrifice’ for the jihad just like other ordinary supporters of the movement,” said Rashid Abdi, a Horn of Africa analyst.

The Godka Jilicow Prison Attack

One of the new details revealed in the video is that the attackers recorded the operation as it unfolded, sharing footage with a central hub that stored clips via livestream.

The militants who carried out the attack wore NISA uniforms and used Toyota pickup vehicles marked with the agency’s logo—raising questions about how they obtained them.

The group claimed 42 people were killed and others injured in the prison attack. It also said that some prisoners were freed, with some later joining the attackers in the fighting.

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Conflict in the Middle East Drives Fuel and Food Prices Up in Somalia

Sadia Suleiman — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 12:27:43 +0000

MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) – The ongoing war involving Iran, United States, and Israel is already affecting Gulf countries and sending shockwaves through Somalia’s economy, with sharp increases in the cost of living and trade disruptions.

In Mogadishu, fuel and cooking gas prices have risen by nearly 67%, according to residents who spoke to Kaab TV.

Traders and transport operators warn that if the conflict continues, the cost of basic goods could rise further, putting significant pressure on low-income families.

The prices of staple foods such as rice, grains, flour, and cooking oil have jumped by up to 10%, while electronics and other commodities have also seen noticeable increases.

“I sit in my tuktuk with no fuel. The price is over $1 today—I cannot afford it,” said Abdiasis Mohamed, who earns his living driving a tuktuk taxi. Abdiasis added that he struggles to pay both his tuktuk rent and household bills if fuel prices continue to rise.

The price surge comes at a critical time, as many households were preparing for Eid al-Fitr at the end of Ramadan. With prices skyrocketing, many families are unable to meet basic needs.

“If the conflict continues for an extended period, it will have a serious impact on the local economy,” said Hassan Nur, a shop owner in Mogadishu.

Somalia relies heavily on imports from the United Arab Emirates, which accounts for approximately 33% of the country’s total imports.

Business owners report that disruptions to flights and ports across several Gulf states have delayed shipments, with some expected goods failing to arrive for at least four days.

Mogadishu port has seen a decline in the arrival of major ships due to the closure of ports in the UAE.

Iran sits along the strategic Hormuz Strait, through which about 3,000 ships transit each month.

As of early March, daily traffic through the strait has dropped by roughly 80%. Observers warn that continued conflict could affect the Gulf of Aden, particularly given the presence of Houthi militias in Yemen linked to Iran.

Reported strikes in Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Oman have further disrupted trade and fuel supplies.

Somalia’s commercial ties with these countries have been temporarily affected, contributing to supply shortages.

The Somali government has not yet commented on the impact, but local traders and economists warn that if regional tensions escalate, Somalia could face widespread inflation affecting food, fuel, and other essential services.

As a country heavily dependent on imports—especially from Gulf nations—Somalia remains highly vulnerable to regional instability.

Residents in Mogadishu say they are increasingly concerned that a prolonged conflict could deepen economic hardship and worsen living conditions across the country.

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Analysis : Who Was Ayatollah Khomeini, Iran’s Revolutionary Leader

Staff Reporter — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 12:12:08 +0000

Tehran (Kaab TV) – The powerful leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, died yesterday, Saturday, February 28, 2026, following an airstrike targeting the city of Tehran, according to reports. His death came after aerial attacks by the U.S.–Israel coalition hit his residence.

Ali Hosseini Khamenei was born on April 19, 1939, in the city of Mashhad, Iran. He received his religious education in seminaries in Mashhad, Najaf, and Qom, where he became a close student of the leader of the Iranian Revolution, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. During the Iranian Revolution of 1978–1979, Khamenei was an active opponent of the Shah’s regime under Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, leading to multiple arrests and eventually his exile.

After the success of the revolution in 1979, Khamenei held several important positions. In 1981, he became the third president of Iran, a post he held until 1989, during the Iran–Iraq War. During his presidency, he strengthened ties with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which played an increasingly significant role in the country’s politics and security.

Following Khomeini’s death in 1989, Iran’s Assembly of Experts elected Khamenei as the country’s Supreme Leader, a position he held for more than 36 years. He became one of the longest-serving leaders in the Middle East and Iran’s longest-serving leader since Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.

Domestically, Khamenei was known as a strong leader who reinforced the authority of the Supreme Leader’s office and significantly expanded the power of security and military institutions.

His tenure saw large-scale protests against the government, which were often met with force. In foreign affairs, he supported what came to be known as the “Axis of Resistance,” aligning with allied forces and militias in Syria, Iraq, Yemen, and Gaza.

Khamenei backed Iran’s civilian nuclear program and issued a religious decree (fatwa) banning weapons of mass destruction. He was a staunch opponent of Israel and Zionism, consistently expressing support for the Palestinian cause. These policies contributed to persistent tensions between Iran and Western countries, particularly the United States and Israel.

His death is expected to significantly alter the direction of Iranian politics and the regional balance of power.

While his supporters praise him as a defender of independence and revolutionary principles, his critics accuse him of political repression and human rights abuses. In any case, his legacy marks him as one of the most influential leaders in the Middle East in the 21st century.

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Senior Mogadishu Official Exposes Government Payments to Somali Media and Influencers for Favorable Reporting

Kaab TV News Editor — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 10:36:13 +0000

MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) – The Director of the Communications Office of the Mayor of Mogadishu and the Banadir Regional Administration has confirmed that four media stations and three social media influencers were placed on the government payroll in a bid to bolster official propaganda, push counter-narratives, and amplify favorable coverage of the Banadir Regional Administration.

In a leaked audio recording corroborated by Kaab TV, Mr. Hussein further admitted that he attempted to increase the number of media personalities included in the scheme. However, only a few were ultimately added, while others were rejected.

“When I arrived at the office, there were four media stations on the official payroll: Shabelle TV, Universal TV, Dalsan TV, and Somali Cable TV, as well as Hassan Adde [a local TV director]. There were also individual media personalities,” Mr. Hussein said.

“Those who are paid are now visible and doing their job. That is what I did when I assumed the role,” he added.

The admission has raised serious concerns about media independence, transparency, and the potential misuse of public funds.

He also stated that the Mayor of Mogadishu, Mr. Hassan Mohamed Hussein Muungaab, is active on social media and closely monitors online news and discussions, saying the mayor closely follows emerging narratives and developments to better understand the public discourse.

This is not the first such exposure. Under previous Somali administrations, payments and financial inducements to individual media personalities and influencers were reportedly common practice and have been documented in various reports.

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Cruel Act in Balcad: 24-Year-Old Woman Allegedly Raped and Killed by Government Forces

Kaab TV News Editor — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 11:32:09 +0000

MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) – Somali government forces stationed in Balcad are accused of killing a 24-year-old woman following an alleged sexual assault in a rural village outside the town on Saturday, 7 February.

The forces implicated in the incident are local units based in Balcad under the command of District Commissioner Qasim Ali Nur, widely known as “Qasim Furdug.” They were reportedly operating alongside the Turkish-trained Gorgor commandos in the area.

The Gorgor units fall under the command of Sahid Jama Farah, known as “Sahid Jareere,” who leads the 1st Division of the Gorgor Commandos.

According to family members who spoke to Kaab TV, the incident occurred in Garas Diinle village, a small rural settlement near Balcad town in the Middle Shabelle region.

The victim, Naley Buurow Nuune, had reportedly gone to collect water from a neighbor when she encountered soldiers in the area.

Certificate of Death.

Relatives allege that the soldiers attempted to sexually assault her. A young boy who had accompanied her fled the scene after gunfire erupted.

Family members said Naley resisted before she was shot in the right arm. They further allege that multiple soldiers raped her after she fell to the ground.

According to the family, the soldiers then shot her again, with a bullet entering through the right side of her back and exiting through the chest. She died at the scene.

Her body was later transported to Madina Hospital in Mogadishu. A hospital report dated 8 February 2026 states that Naley was brought in deceased.

The report cites the cause of death as gunshot wounds, including one bullet entering from the back to the chest on the right side and another to the right arm. The document notes that she died from bleeding.

Hospital report showing the death of Naley.

The medical report, signed by Dr. Mohamed Mohamud Omar, does not reference any findings related to sexual violence.

Madina Hospital is a government-owned facility, formerly operated as a police hospital.

Naley’s body remains at the hospital mortuary.

Her family has refused to proceed with burial, demanding accountability and an independent investigation into the incident.

Naley’s body remains at the hospital mortuary.

A clan elder from Middle Shabelle, Hussein Xaadoole, told Kaab TV that one suspect was initially arrested after a mobile phone allegedly belonging to him was found at the scene.

However, the elder claims the suspect was later released following intervention by Sahid Jama Farah.

Sahid Jareere and his forces have been active in Middle Shabelle in recent months. On 28 January 2026, Somali state media aired footage of him delivering a speech in Jabad Godane near Warsheikh after an Al-Shabaab attack in the area.

The Federal Government of Somalia, the Gorgor command, and the Balcad District Commissioner’s office did not respond to requests for comment.

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SJS Strongly Condemns the Abduction of Journalist Abdihaafid Nor

Staff Reporter — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 07:28:22 +0000

MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) strongly condemns the abduction of journalist Abdihaafid Nor by armed officers of the Somali National Army in Mogadishu on the morning of Tuesday, February 24, 2026. SJS is calling for his immediate and unconditional release.

According to reports, armed officers from the Somali National Army abducted journalist Abdihaafid Nor at approximately 1:50 a.m. on February 24 in Mogadishu.

Eyewitnesses told SJS that Abdihaafid was at a restaurant in the area early Tuesday morning when armed officers—some wearing military uniforms and others in civilian clothing—arrived in a pickup truck and forcibly took him away.

Reliable sources informed SJS that the journalist was transported to a military facility inside the Jaalle Siyaad Military Academy in the Hodan district of Mogadishu. His family and friends have been unable to reach him, and his phone remains switched off.

On Monday, February 23, Abdihaafid Nor, a reporter with Somali Cable Television who is also active on Facebook, published a report about the dismissal of four commanders from the Turkish-trained Gorgor forces.

According to his report, the officers were removed from their posts following a dispute over orders to deduct $100 from allowances allocated to soldiers who had been wounded or fallen ill while serving in the unit. The four commanders reportedly refused to carry out the order, leading to their immediate dismissal.

Military sources told SJS that the report angered certain officers within the Gorgor unit and that this may have led to the journalist’s abduction.

SJS strongly condemns this act of abduction, describing it as a serious violation of press freedom and the fundamental rights of journalists.

“The abduction of our colleague Abdihaafid Nor, who exposed the dismissal of Gorgor force commanders in the public interest, is a direct attack on press freedom,” said SJS Secretary General Abdalle Mumin.

“We call on the officers of the Somali National Army who abducted Abdihaafid Nor to release him immediately and unconditionally. We also demand an end to intimidation, unlawful detention, and reprisals against journalists operating in Somalia,” Mumin added.

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