Years of conflict, displacement, poverty, and limited access to healthcare have left many young people facing high levels of stress, trauma, and depression. Cultural stigma and lack of professional services make it even harder for youth to seek help.

This week, the Baraarug Podcast explores the challenges Somali youth face in maintaining mental well-being, the impact of societal pressures, and the steps needed to build awareness and support.

The post Baraarug Podcast 19: Mental Health of Somali Youth appeared first on Kaab TV.

However, Somali journalists face numerous challenges — including digital threats, arbitrary arrests, intimidation, and direct attacks by both government forces and armed groups such as Al-Shabaab.

Somalia remains one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), more than 85 journalists have been killed in Somalia since 1992, when the organization began tracking journalist killings globally.

Government forces — particularly the intelligence services and police — as well as non-state armed actors, are heavily involved in these attacks.

Poor governance, a lack of accountability, and a weak justice system have allowed dangerous incidents to continue unchecked, forcing many journalists into exile for their own safety.

In a recent report marking World Press Freedom Day 2025, the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) noted that between January and April 2025, there was a marked increase in attacks targeting journalists and media houses in both Somalia and Somaliland.

At least 46 journalists were arrested during those first four months of the year.

One journalist, Mohamed Abukar Dabaashe, was killed this year in a bombing carried out by Al-Shabaab in Mogadishu on March 18.

Journalists Turn to Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube

Amid growing pressure and restrictions on traditional media outlets, many journalists have turned to social media platforms to continue their work independently.

Platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube have become the primary tools for Somali journalists to share their reporting, as more and more people rely on the internet to access news and information — a shift made easier by widespread access to affordable internet and smartphones.

Unfortunately, even social media is no longer a safe space. Journalists are frequently targeted online: their accounts are hacked or suspended, and in many cases, fake accounts using their names and photos are created to spread disinformation, damaging their credibility and reputation.

These cyberattacks are not limited to journalists alone — critics of the federal government and regional authorities are also subjected to coordinated harassment and digital repression.

In this 18th episode of Baraarug Podcast, producer Anfa Aden Abdi explores the growing threat of digital attacks on Somali journalists and others who express independent or dissenting views online. We ask:

How can digital threats be mitigated?

What steps should journalists take to protect their online safety?

Baraarug Podcast guest is Abdifatah Mohamed Ali, director of Digital Shelter, an organization working to improve digital safety in Somalia.

Abdifatah shares findings from a recent study highlighting the three most common types of digital attacks faced by Somali journalists:

• Direct online threats,
• Hacking of personal and work-related data,
• Impersonation through fake accounts using their names and photos to spread false information.

He also offers valuable tips on how journalists, human rights defenders — especially women — can navigate the digital space more securely.

In addition, we speak with Somali journalists who have recently experienced cyberattacks, gathering their insights and advice for fellow media professionals.

The post Baraarug Podcast: Online Threats Facing Somali Journalists appeared first on Kaab TV.

They are the backbone of storytelling and covering underreported issues.

Although women remain underrepresented in the journalism profession, they face numerous challenges that impact their safety, professional growth, and employment opportunities.

According to a report published by the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) in 2021, women journalists are particularly vulnerable to the ongoing security threats in Somalia.

They face constant intimidation, attacks, and threats, which compromise their safety and hinder their ability to work freely.

Between January 1 and April 30, 2025, the Somali Journalists Syndicate documented the arrest of 46 journalists, while two others were abducted and later went missing in the Lower Shabelle region under the South West State.

Authorities in South West State also imposed restrictions on three local radio stations during the month of Ramadan.

Meanwhile, in Somaliland, Universal TV was shut down, and in Mogadishu, police forces raided Radio Risaala.

More than 30 journalists had their equipment confiscated, and 10 others were subjected to physical assault and intimidation.

According to SJS records, female journalists accounted for 10.5% of the targeted journalists in 2025, while 89.5% were male.

The majority of the attacks on the media—including arbitrary arrests, killings, internet restrictions, and censorship—were perpetrated by government forces and the armed group Al-Shabaab.

Women journalists also face various forms of abuse, including verbal insults and harassment from the public, colleagues, and, at times, media managers.

These abuses significantly limit their career development opportunities.

In conflict zones or areas controlled by armed groups such as Al-Shabaab, female journalists face heightened risks, including rape, abduction, and even murder.

In addition, cultural norms and societal attitudes that discourage women from working in the media further restrict their job opportunities and career advancement.

Somali women journalists face unequal treatment in the workplace, including lower pay compared to male colleagues and limited access to training and career development opportunities.

They often lack the necessary support to grow professionally.

In this episode of Baraarug Podcast, we speak with Farhiyo Mohamed Khayre, the Chairperson and founder of the Somali Women Journalists Organization (SWJO), based in Mogadishu. Farhiyo is also a former journalist who worked with local media outlets.

Joining the discussion are three other female journalists who were recently targeted in Mogadishu. They share their personal experiences and the challenges they face while fulfilling their professional duties.

The post Baraarug Podcast 14: The Struggles of Somali Women Journalists appeared first on Kaab TV.

The discussion highlighted how these struggles are directly contributing to high unemployment rates among youth and women.

Community members, including elders, women, young people, and internally displaced persons, took part in the dialogue alongside government officials, aiming to find sustainable solutions. 

The Jubaland state government says it cannot address youth unemployment on its own, describing it as a broader issue affecting all of Somalia.

Speaking at the SJS Baraarug Forum, the Director of the Ministry of Youth and Sports in Jubaland Abdullahi Awer said that a new regulation currently being developed aims to tackle the lack of skills among young people—one of the key factors contributing to unemployment.

However, the official noted that Jubaland relies heavily on donor funding and that the state lacks the financial capacity to independently address the youth unemployment crisis.

Youth who participated in the discussion emphasized that there is a widespread mismatch between the skills being taught to young people and the actual needs of the local job market as well restrictions and insecurity affecting young entrepreneurs willing to start business and create jobs.

The post Lack of Local Innovation and Skills Linked to Youth and Women Unemployment in Somalia appeared first on Kaab TV.

This topic in the Ma Huraan film has sparked intense discussion on social media in recent weeks.

This week, Mohamed Bulbul sat down with Anfa Aden Abdi to talk about the often unspoken issue of sexual violence against women at work—and the brave women who are trying to break the silence around it.

The post Baraarug Podcast: Confronting Sexual Violence Against Women in Somalia appeared first on Kaab TV.

Minority communities and displaced families also face heightened risks, while journalists are often targeted for exposing abuses taking place across the country.

This week, the Baraarug campaign spoke with Abdullahi Hassan, Amnesty International’s researcher for Somalia and Sudan, who discussed the organization’s efforts to advocate for human rights in Somalia.

These include documenting U.S. drone strikes that have killed civilians, as well as broader concerns about accountability.

Mr. Hassan also highlighted the increasing attacks on journalists in Somalia and the severe chilling effect these have had on freedom of expression.

He emphasized that meaningful advocacy requires accountability.

That is why Amnesty International continues to engage with the Somali government and international partners who fund Somali authorities.

Most importantly, Mr. Hassan stressed that it is the duty of every Somali citizen—especially the youth—to stand up for their rights and demand that their human rights are respected.

The post Why Everyone Must Stand up for Human Rights in Somalia? appeared first on Kaab TV.

Tune in as we explore how faith and leadership can drive positive change in society!

What are your thoughts? Join the conversation in the comments!

The post Baraarug Podcast | Ep. 10: Are Somali Religious Leaders Advancing the Rights of Youth and Women? appeared first on Kaab TV.