MOGADISHU, Somalia (Kaab TV) – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) has expressed deep concern over recent police raids targeting two journalists in Las Anod, amid allegations that the actions are linked to their reporting on families of detainees held in Somaliland prisons since the 2023 Las Anod conflict.

According to SJS, armed officers led by the Sool Regional Police Commander, Khadar Mohamed Farah, raided the homes of journalists Mukhtar Abdi Jama and Abdiqani Abdirahman Mohamed at around 2:00 a.m. on 9 June 2026. Both journalists reportedly faced intimidation during the operation.

Abdiqani was taken to a police station and questioned over his alleged involvement in interviews with families of prisoners held in Somaliland custody. He was later released after about an hour, while Mukhtar was not arrested but described the raid as a form of intimidation against journalists.

The raids followed the release of a documentary highlighting testimonies from families in Las Anod claiming that their relatives are being held in Somaliland prisons, some allegedly detained during the 2023 conflict between Somaliland forces and SSC-Khaatumo fighters, while others were reportedly arrested on identity-related grounds.

The journalist behind the documentary, Abdalle Qaalib, said he had received threats following its publication and had gone into hiding. He stated that some of the detainees are his relatives and estimated that around 108 people remain in custody across various Somaliland detention facilities.

SJS said the incidents reflect a broader pattern of harassment against journalists covering sensitive issues related to detainees and post-conflict grievances in the region. The organization warned that such actions could undermine press freedom and restrict reporting on matters of public interest.

The Las Anod conflict, which escalated in late 2022 and peaked in 2023, resulted in heavy fighting between Somaliland forces and SSC-Khaatumo fighters following long-standing political tensions and protests. The violence led to hundreds of deaths and the displacement of over 200,000 civilians, according to rights groups including Amnesty International.

Both sides have since held individuals they accuse of involvement in the fighting, and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) estimates that hundreds of detainees remain in custody despite limited prisoner exchanges in 2025.

Media reports from both Somaliland and Las Anod have continued to highlight ongoing appeals by families seeking the release or information about their detained relatives.

SJS Secretary General Abdalle Mumin said journalists must be protected while covering issues of public concern, stressing that reporting on detainees and family grievances is a legitimate journalistic activity under international freedom of expression standards.

He urged authorities in Las Anod to end harassment of journalists and instead address the concerns raised by families through lawful and transparent processes rather than intimidation.

MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) – The International Press Institute (IPI) has expressed deep concern over what it described as a growing wave of attacks, arrests, intimidation, and repression targeting Somali journalists, warning that press freedom conditions in Somalia continue to deteriorate during a politically sensitive period in the country.

In a statement released this week, IPI said the situation for journalists in Somalia worsened significantly throughout May 2026, particularly as the country faces contentious local council elections, constitutional debates, and mounting political tensions surrounding the government’s mandate and Somalia’s democratization process.

The organization, together with partner media rights groups, said it had documented numerous incidents involving threats, harassment, arrests, and attacks against journalists and media workers across different regions of Somalia.

According to IPI, reporters covering politically sensitive issues, environmental challenges, climate change, corruption allegations, security matters, and the displacement of civilians have increasingly become targets of pressure and intimidation.

The organization warned that independent media outlets are facing growing restrictions and interference while attempting to report on issues of public interest.

IPI urged Somalia’s international partners and the wider international community to increase diplomatic pressure on Somali authorities to guarantee the protection of journalists and ensure accountability for abuses committed against media workers.

“The continued attacks on independent journalism represent a serious threat to democratic participation, freedom of expression, and public trust,” the organization said, adding that urgent measures are needed to defend press freedom and media independence in Somalia.

Somalia has long been considered one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists. Reporters frequently operate under threats from armed groups, political actors, security agencies, and unidentified assailants.

Media watchdogs say Somali journalists regularly face arbitrary detention, physical attacks, censorship, online harassment, and legal intimidation, especially when covering political disputes, security operations, corruption investigations, or protests.

In recent years, several Somali journalists have reportedly been arrested while reporting on anti-government demonstrations, security incidents, and allegations involving public officials.

Human rights organizations have repeatedly accused both state and non-state actors of attempting to silence critical reporting and limit media independence through intimidation campaigns and restrictive measures.

Analysts say pressure on the media often intensifies during politically sensitive periods, including elections, constitutional reform debates, and disputes between the federal government, opposition groups, and regional administrations.

The latest warning from IPI comes as Somalia faces increasing political polarization over electoral reforms, governance issues, and disagreements between the Federal Government of Somalia and opposition leaders regarding the country’s political direction ahead of upcoming elections.

Press freedom advocates argue that despite constitutional guarantees protecting freedom of expression, journalists in Somalia continue to work in a fragile environment marked by insecurity, weak legal protections, and limited accountability for crimes committed against media workers.

International organizations including the Committee to Protect Journalists and Reporters Without Borders have repeatedly called on Somali authorities to strengthen protections for journalists, investigate attacks against the media, and uphold press freedom standards.

IPI emphasized that protecting independent journalism remains essential for Somalia’s democratic development, transparency, and public accountability, warning that continued attacks on the press could further undermine public confidence and political stability in the country.