MOGADISHU – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) strongly denounces the harassment, intimidation, and unlawful detention of journalists in Laascaanood, including the forced deletion of published material and the coercion of journalist Abdirisaq Abdirahman, known as Kobciye, into recording apology videos under duress.

On 21 February, police officers in Laascaanood detained Raxanreeb Media journalist Abdirisaq Abdirahman, known as Kobciye, and forced him to delete a video report that his outlet had broadcast days earlier.

On 17 February, Raxanreeb Media, where Abdirisaq Kobciye works, published a video clip in which construction laborers in Laascaanood complained about low wages and alleged that foreign workers were taking over their jobs because they were paid half the rates local laborers would normally charge.

The laborers had held a press conference in Laascaanood, which the media covered.

According to Abdirisaq Kobciye and the founder of Raxanreeb Media, Farah Atto, police began trailing Abdirisaq and raided his office in the city center, confiscating three cameras and two laptops. On the afternoon of 17 February, the police went to Abdirisaq Kobciye’s home, where officers harassed his family members.

After three days in hiding, Abdirisaq Kobciye was taken to a police station in Laascaanood on Saturday, 21 February, where he was forced to delete the video from Raxanreeb’s Facebook platform and record a clip “apologizing to the police.” The clip was later posted on a Facebook page associated with the police.

Abdirisaq Kobciye told SJS that he was coerced into recording the video.

Although he was initially informed that clan elders were attempting to resolve the matter with the police, he was taken to the police station with a mobile phone already recording and told that he would not be released unless he recorded the apology video, which he ultimately did.

Meanwhile, on the same day, 21 February, Laascaanood police briefly arrested Mowliid Ismaaciil of Halbeeg Media after he recorded protests by local community members in Laascaanood who were opposing a planned forced eviction allegedly linked to the mayor of Laascaanood. He was released after spending two hours in police custody and after all video clips were deleted.

“The forced deletion of published content, confiscation of equipment, and coercion of journalist Abdirisaq Kobciye into recording apology videos under duress are blatant violations of press freedom and cannot be tolerated,” said SJS Secretary General Abdalle Ahmed Mumin. “Journalists must not be punished for reporting on issues of public interest. What happened in Laascaanood is an abuse of authority and a dangerous attempt to silence independent media.”

He added, “We call on the Northeastern authorities in Laascaanood to immediately end these unlawful practices, return confiscated equipment, and ensure that security forces stop interfering with the work of journalists. Those responsible for harassing and intimidating media workers must be held accountable. Press freedom is not a privilege granted by authorities — it is a fundamental right that must be protected.”

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Supported by Medico International, the training was held in Mogadishu from 30–31 December 2025 and brought together 10 local journalists from Somalia and Somaliland, including those from areas severely affected by climate change. Thirty percent of the participants were women.

Nuura Mohamed Hassan, a reporter with Warsan Radio in Baidoa, Southwest State, shared how the training influenced her reporting.

“This training transformed how I approach climate reporting. I have moved beyond simply covering disasters to producing stories that connect climate impacts with governance, accountability, and practical solutions,” she said.

Shukri Abii Cabdi of Shabelle Media Network in Mogadishu highlighted the broader scope of climate reporting:
“Climate change reporting is ultimately about people and justice. This program equipped us with practical tools to question policies, track climate-related actions, and show how vulnerable communities are disproportionately affected.”

Somalia currently hosts nearly four million people—about 20 percent of the population—living in refugee or internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. Human-induced climate change made the 2022–2023 drought up to 100 times more severe, leading to an estimated 43,000 excess deaths.

Journalists in Somalia and Somaliland often operate on the frontlines of crises, including environmental disasters, under extremely challenging conditions. Limited safety, restricted access to information, lack of editorial support, and threats from powerful actors who benefit from environmental exploitation significantly constrain their ability to report effectively on climate issues.

Over the past two years, with support from Medico International, SJS has built a network of local journalists reporting on communities’ struggles to adapt to climate shocks.

This training directly responds to the challenges faced by Somali journalists. It aims to close knowledge gaps, enhance safety, and strengthen journalists’ professional capacity to deliver consistent, impactful coverage of climate change and climate justice. Over the next two years, the SJS program will build on earlier initiatives that have promoted journalist resilience, freedom of expression, and protection mechanisms.

SJS Secretary General Abdalle Mumin emphasized the broader significance of the initiative in contributing to global efforts to advance climate justice by empowering the most vulnerable communities to tell their stories and help shape solutions through media reporting.

“Climate change reporting is not just storytelling—it is about saving lives and providing communities with relevant information to guide their daily decisions,” said Abdalle Mumin.

He added, “Recurring droughts, severe floods, environmental degradation, and unpredictable rainfall continue to threaten livelihoods, food security, and stability. This underscores the critical need for informed, professional climate journalists to support public understanding and policy accountability. The training deepened participants’ understanding of climate change and climate justice while equipping them with practical skills to produce accurate, impactful reporting.”

Following the training, participants will continue to receive ongoing mentorship, guidance, and support to strengthen their future climate reporting. Through this mentorship program, SJS aims to develop a strong network of climate-aware journalists capable of contributing meaningfully to public discourse and supporting climate resilience in Somalia and Somaliland.

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On 9 September 2025, the Puntland Attorney General’s (AG) Office summoned journalists Suways Jama Mohamud and Hassan Abdi Ali (popularly known as Hassan Heykal) via phone call over an unspecified issue. The following day, a lawyer representing the two went to the AG’s Office and was informed that both journalists were required to appear before the office.

The lawyer was also told that the case had been filed by the Puntland Ministry of Information.

Suways Jama Mohamud is a reporter and producer at Puntland State TV and the founder of Suways Media, an online platform known for its “street question” interviews in Puntland. On 9 June, Suways published an interview with a local commander of an armed group affiliated with SSC-Khaatumo (now Northeast State Somalia), who claimed that fighting had taken place in a rural village in Sool region called Shaxda during a visit by the Puntland State Minister for the Presidency. Following the interview, Suways told SJS she received threats of arrest, which forced her into hiding for several weeks.

On 23 June, Suways told SJS that she was suspended from her position at Puntland State TV after being accused of being critical of the government in August this year. However, in late August, Puntland’s Ministry of Labor, as well as the workplace committee and human resources office at Puntland State TV, rejected the suspension, concluding that it was unlawful. Members of the Puntland State Parliament also grilled the Minister of Information, and the Director General of Puntland State TV, who had authorized the suspension, on the suspension of Suways. MPs also ordered to reinstate Suways.

She told SJS that while awaiting confirmation of her return to work, she received the call from the AG’s Office summoning her.

Hassan Heykal, director of Milgo Media, which operates in several Puntland locations, told SJS that he began receiving threats from the Office of the Puntland Vice President after he published an interview in May with a young tuk-tuk driver who alleged he had been beaten by security guards of Vice President Ilyas Ahmed Lugatoor. After the interview was posted online, a senior official from the Vice President’s office contacted Heykal, requesting the driver’s contact details, which he provided.

On Sunday, 14 September, Hassan Heykal appeared with his lawyer before the AG’s Office, where he was questioned about five news reports published on Milgo Media. These included: an interview with a clan elder demanding the Puntland Minister of Information apologize to Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre’s clan; a protest by the family of a murder victim killed in Garowe in June; a commentary by a Puntland government official criticizing the Puntland State Minister of Information in September; an interview with the spokesman of the Puntland counter-terrorism operation, who claimed that the leader of ISIS-Somalia had fled the country; and an interview with a politician who accused the Puntland president of blocking his parliamentary candidacy.

On Thursday, 18 September, Suways also reported to the AG’s Office, where she was questioned about 10 posts published on Suweys Media and one personal comment she had written on Facebook.

SJS’s review of the posts shows that most were vox pop interviews with ordinary citizens voicing criticism of government officials at various levels including criticism to the president and the vice president of Puntland. The Facebook comment in question related to Vice President Lugatoor’s visit to Puntland State TV on 22 May 2025. Suways had commented on a Puntland State House Facebook post, noting remarks the Vice President Lugatoor allegedly made during the visit. That comment is no longer visible.

According to their lawyer, both journalists were instructed to prepare responses to accusations including “criticism of government officials and incitement.”

No written charges were provided. The AG’s Office did not respond when asked why the journalists were not given a written document about the accusations against them, instead of only oral statements.

“The summons of Suways Jama Mohamud and Hassan Heykal by the Puntland Attorney General’s Office marks yet another troubling attempt to silence independent journalism in Puntland,” said Abdalle Mumin, Secretary General of the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS).

“Targeting journalists for their reporting—whether through unlawful suspensions, legal threats, or politically motivated cases—undermines press freedom and the public’s right to know in Puntland. We condemn these actions and we call for Puntland Attorney General’s Office and the Ministry of Information to drop these accusations immediately and for the Puntland authorities to respect and protect journalists in carrying out their duties. We also demand that Suways Jama Mohamud reinstated to her role at the Puntland State TV inline with the Parliament’s order,” Mr. Mumin added.

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SJS member journalist Hashim Omar Hassan and another journalist, Hassan Yusuf Qasaaro, were arrested after publishing news about the case of an eight-year-old girl whose strangled body was discovered on the night of Monday, 4 August, at the family’s home in Adaado, according to police sources.

The two journalists, citing police sources, reported that the child had been “subjected to prolonged sexual abuse and that her death appeared to be a murder”.

Both journalists were arrested at the Adaado Police Station.

On the same day, a woman claiming to be the mother of the victim appeared in a video posted online, providing a conflicting statement about the incident. However, police later arrested the woman along with other suspects.

A source in Adaado told SJS that a local government official had ordered the arrest of the journalists and had also pressured the woman to record the contradictory video.

The journalists, who have since been released, told SJS that the local authorities were attempting to cover up the incident in order to “protect the reputation of the local government.”

SJS expresses deep concern over the arrest of the journalists in what appears to be an attempt to suppress reporting on a matter of public interest. We are also alarmed by reports that a local poet with connection to authorities used social media to incite harm against journalist Hashim Omar Hassan, accusing him of “shaming the town.”

On Wednesday, 6 August, gunmen reportedly associated with one of the suspects attacked police officers who were escorting a suspect to Dhusamareb, the capital of Galmudug, for further investigation. According to local media reports, at least one police officer was killed and several others injured. The suspect himself is said to have sustained injuries during the violent clash.

This alleged rape and murder marks the second such case in Adaado in recent months. While violence against women and girls continues to happen under-reported across Somalia, SJS is dismayed that local authorities are targeting the very brave journalists covering such cases instead of focusing on investigating the crimes and bringing perpetrators to justice.

“The arrest of journalists simply for reporting a brutal crime against a child is both outrageous and unacceptable,” said Abdalle Mumin, SJS Secretary General, “Instead of protecting press freedom and allowing journalists to report on issues of public concern—such as the rape and murder of a child—local authorities in Adaado chose to silence them. This is a clear attempt to cover up a heinous crime and intimidate the media.”

“We call for the Galmudug authorities to carry out an independent investigation into the incident, including the intimidation of the journalists and the misuse of power by local officials,” adds Mr. Mumin.

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The award was announced on Tuesday night at a ceremony held in New York, USA, celebrating individuals and organizations demonstrating exceptional leadership, courage, and commitment to transparency, human rights, and the fight against corruption.

The award event was opened with a keynote speech by Sarah Chayes — an award-winning journalist, author, and former advisor to the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff — renowned for her expertise on corruption. In her address, she emphasized the importance of supporting anti-corruption efforts worldwide.

The Allard Prize for International Integrity is one of the world’s most significant honours dedicated to combating corruption and promoting human rights. Established in 2012 by Canadian human rights lawyer Peter A. Allard, the award continues to uplift and spotlight those who risk their lives in the fight against corruption and the pursuit of justice.

SJS President Mohamed Ibrahim stated:

“The entire Somali Journalists Syndicate team and the broader human rights movement in Somalia proudly congratulate our Secretary General, Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, for this well-deserved international recognition. Abdalle is not only a journalist who has repeatedly risked his life to speak the truth and hold the corrupt powerful accountable, but he is also a leader who has shown unwavering commitment to press freedom and human rights in Somalia. He truly deserves this award.”

This becomes Abdalle’s second major international recognition. In 2013, he was honoured for his outstanding human rights photojournalism work in Somalia. The 2025 Allard Prize is a testament to his continued courage and leadership.

Mr. Ibrahim further added:

“This recognition inspires all of us at SJS. It demonstrates that, despite the grave challenges Abdalle and our organization have faced — from harassment and arrests to threats and exile — we are not alone. The global community sees and values our work. That gives us the strength to go the extra mile.”

“For us at SJS, and for journalists across Somalia and around the world who are working under threats, intimidation, and censorship, this award is more than a recognition — it is a powerful message. It affirms that journalism matters. It reinforces our belief that fighting corruption, exposing abuse of power, and standing for human rights is not in vain. It gives visibility, hope, and encouragement to every reporter who dares to ask hard questions.”

Abdullahi Hassan of Amnesty International stated that “Abdalle Mumin and the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) have done extraordinary work in defending press freedom and advancing human rights in Somalia. Abdalle, in particular, has been severely persecuted for this.”

Muthoki Mumo of the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), in a video interview, also emphasized the importance of press freedom and the safety of journalists. She described the work of Abdalle and SJS as that of “an active press freedom advocate.” Muthoki also noted that CPJ has documented the killing of over 80 journalists in Somalia since 1992 — a stark reminder of the grave risks journalists continue to face.

In his acceptance speech, delivered via video link, Abdalle Mumin said:

“For over twenty years, I have put my life on the line for one belief: that journalism can expose corruption, demand accountability, and protect the rights of the voiceless. In Somalia, that belief isn’t just tested — it’s life-threatening. Tonight, I am deeply humbled to receive the Allard Prize award. It is not only a recognition of my work with the Somali Journalists Syndicate, but of the power of journalism to challenge kleptocracy, injustice, and fear.”

SJS extends its sincere thanks to the Allard Prize team, the organisers, staff, and Prize Committee for their tireless work in supporting integrity, transparency, and the protection of human rights defenders across the world.

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The meeting brought together press freedom advocates, representatives from International Media Support (IMS), officials from the Ministry of Information who have been targeting journalists including SJS, and members of the diplomatic community.

Participants voiced alarm over the increasing repression targeting Somali journalists, particularly those based in Mogadishu, and the broader erosion of press freedom across the country.

The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) expressed grave concern over the escalating attacks on journalists, SJS members, and independent media houses. These attacks have intensified following public threats issued by government officials from the police and the the Ministry of Information.

“Since the statement by the Minister of Information Daud Aweis Jama and the Mogadishu Police Commissioner, Moalim Mahdi on 6 March 2025, attacks on journalists have significantly increased. Press freedom is dying in Somalia. We are deeply concerned that the Somali government—specifically the Ministry of Information, police forces, and the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA)—is deliberately targeting journalists for their independent reporting,” said Mohamed Ibrahim Bulbul, SJS Secretary of Information and Human Rights, during the meeting.

Reporting on security issues including threats posed by Al-Shabaab terror group, government corruption and human rights abuses remain a red line for journalists in Somalia, particularly in Mogadishu.

The 6 March statement by Minister Daud Aweis and Mogadishu Police Commissioner Mahdi Omar Muumin (known as Moalim Mahdi who is also an ex-defector of Al-Shabaab), which openly threatened “severe punishment” media outlets against publishing any reporting related to security has triggered a new wave of suppression.

Participants also highlighted the growing intimidation of journalists working for state media in Mogadishu, many of whom have faced threats, suspensions, and dismissals for critical reporting or expressing independent views.

Serious concern was raised regarding threats against women journalists, including threats of sexual violence and other security risks, which have become increasingly common.

The diplomatic community was urged to stand in support of press freedom advocacy and to take meaningful steps to ensure the safety and protection of Somali journalists.

Between 1 January and 30 April 2025, a total of 46 journalists were arrested or detained across Somalia, according to SJS documentation. Journalist Mohamed Abukar Dabaashe was killed in Al-Shabaab bombing in Mogadishu on 18 March. Additionally, two journalists were kidnapped and have since disappeared in Lower Shabelle, Southwest State. Both government forces and Al-Shabaab have contributed to an increasingly hostile environment for the press, marked by physical attacks, arbitrary arrests, killings, and online censorship.

State security forces and police—many of whom are former Al-Shabaab defectors—were behind most of the raids, arrests, and intimidation incidents. NISA continued its practice of unlawful detentions and harassment, particularly in Mogadishu. Of the 46 arrests so far, 41 occurred in Mogadishu alone, underscoring how Mogadishu remains a dangerous place for journalists.

Reflecting today’s engagement, the SJS Secretary General, Abdalle Mumin, thanked the diplomatic community for their efforts and reiterated a strong call for media freedom as a cornerstone of democracy, peacebuilding, and efforts to counter violent extremism.

“I take this opportunity to remind Somalia’s international partners that there can be no democratic Somalia unless we have a strong and independent media, and the international community must act to defend free media. Accountability is key to ending this cycle of violence subjected to the journalist community in Somalia including SJS members. Let us make no mistake: those who target journalists must be held accountable, no matter how powerful they are or whether they command armed groups,” said SJS Secretary General, Abdalle Mumin.

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The symposium, titled “About the Disappearance of a World“, focused on the critical responsibilities of aid and human rights organizations in addressing war, disasters, migration, the climate crisis, and the role of today’s media and journalists as frontline defenders and witnesses.

SJS Secretary-General Abdalle Mumin participated as a panelist, emphasizing that the climate crisis is not just an environmental concern, but also a manifestation of historical and ongoing global power imbalances. He illustrated this with the example of the 2021 floods in Germany that claimed over 180 lives and triggered billions in recovery aid, compared to the 2022 drought in Somalia which killed 43,000 people—mostly children—with far less international attention.

“Yet climate-linked migration is often framed as a security threat in Europe and beyond, justifying walls, detention, and militarization, rather than addressing the root causes,” said Mr. Mumin.

Somalia remains one of the countries most severely affected by the climate crisis, with millions forced into displacement after losing their livelihoods. Floods and recurrent droughts continue to claim lives—mostly among vulnerable groups such as women and children.

Since 2022, SJS has partnered with Medico International to train more than 60 local journalists—including those from communities directly affected by floods in southern and central Somalia—to report on climate change and raise awareness around climate justice.

Journalists, including those within the SJS network, have also been victimized by recurrent droughts and floods, often compounded by ongoing conflicts.

This SJS-Medico International initiative not only engaged journalists and media professionals but also brought together local authorities, community leaders, and human rights defenders to seek solutions to this persistent crisis.

“Journalists play a critical role in shaping climate policy, raising awareness among local communities—including displaced persons—and assisting them in developing mitigation and adaptation strategies,” added Mr. Mumin. “When empowered, the media’s influence on public opinion is substantial, and how climate issues are reported and understood directly impacts the discourse and the solutions provided to affected communities.”

At the Frankfurt symposium, discussions also highlighted the massive budget cuts in climate action and the increasing securitization of climate-induced migration.

However, one powerful outcome was a renewed call for global solidarity and a reminder that hope must not be lost. Journalists were recognized for their role in ensuring that the world does not silently disappear.

“I believe our greatest task is to ask ourselves how we can be better humans—to each other, to our communities, to those forced to flee, and to our disappearing world,” Mr. Mumin added “In a time where rising seas erase coastlines, where families are displaced by conflict and climate, and where walls are built faster than bridges—it’s easy to feel hopeless. But journalists can, and must, carry this responsibility effectively.”

The final message concluded with Mr. Mumin reciting a verse from a song by the renowned Somali singer, the late Luul Jeylani, who more than three decades ago poignantly connected themes of love, sustenance, and human appreciation. She sang:

‘A man who plants sorghum in a pit, will reap it when the rains fall, he will not lose it.

It is only right to appreciate each other. The favor you showed me, I’ve cherished with.

Is it fair for me to cut ties with you?’

SJS extends its sincere gratitude to Medico International for organizing this impactful symposium. We also deeply appreciate the warm welcome and rich exchanges with fellow journalists, academics, NGO leaders, and solidarity groups during the event in Frankfurt.

(Source: SJS)

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In the first four months of 2025 alone, 46 journalists were detained across Somalia and Somaliland, according to the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS).

The climate of fear is further illustrated by the confiscation of equipment from at least 29 journalists during the same period—most of whom also had their footage and materials deleted.

Mogadishu stands out as the most perilous city for media professionals.

On March 18, journalist Mohamed Abukar Dabaashe was killed in a bomb attack near Villa Somalia, the presidential palace.

The attack was carried out by the militant group Al-Shabaab, which continues to target civilians and journalists through bombings and assassinations.

But journalists in Mogadishu are not only under threat from armed groups. Security forces—particularly the police and the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA)—routinely detain and intimidate reporters.

Of the 46 journalists detained since January, 41 were from Mogadishu alone. In Somaliland, five journalists were also arrested, and Universal TV was suspended—a ban that remains in effect.

The case of Risaala Radio highlights the dangers journalists face for simply doing their job. On March 18, shortly after the bombing, the station was raided by Mogadishu police, and 24 people were detained—including five journalists.

Abdihafid Nur, a journalist with Somali Cable TV, was among those arrested.

He had been reporting from the bombing site when police from the Mobile Checkpoints Unit detained them.

“By the time we reached the scene, the road had already been closed. We captured what we could. Then police arrived and forced us into a pickup truck. While in custody, we were ordered to delete all footage. Our cameras and devices were confiscated,” Nur recounted.

Ali Ibrahim Suheyfa, a journalist with Risaala Radio, was in the studio when the raid happened. The police were reportedly led by Abdi Ali, a former Al-Shabaab member now working with the authorities.

“We were the first radio station to broadcast news of the bombing targeting President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Shortly after, the police stormed our offices and detained all of us,” Suheyfa said.

The station was shut down for several hours following the raid. After intense questioning, the five journalists were released.

“We returned to work, but fear gripped us. Some colleagues called their families, unsure if they’d be arrested again,” he added.

These acts of suppression extend beyond physical harassment.

Government officials, including those from the Ministry of Information, Ministry of Security, and the Banadir Police Commission, have openly threatened journalists.

On March 6, Minister of Information Daud Aweis warned that any journalist or member of the public who reported on security issues online would face arrest, punishment, and prosecution.

“We warn the media, social media users, and the public not to spread false information or distress regarding security,” he said.

That same day, Banadir Regional Police Commander Mahdi Omar Muumin—another ex-Al-Shabaab member now serving in government—threatened to detain journalists in “dark cells” if they reported on insecurity in Mogadishu.

“If [the journalist] is not bleeding now, we’ll make him sweat in a dark cell, God willing,” Polie commander Muumin declared.

Internet censorship has also become a tool for silencing critical voices. As traditional media outlets are suppressed, journalists increasingly rely on social media—especially Facebook—to report.

But even there, they face restrictions.

Between January and April, SJS documented at least eight cases where journalists had their Facebook accounts disabled or limited.

Mohamed Salah, founder of Ilsan Media in Puntland, was among those affected.

“My personal Facebook account was restricted for weeks. I received a message saying I was dead, and my page was marked as ‘memorialized,’” he said.

SJS contacted Meta, Facebook’s parent company, and eventually, Mohamed’s page—and those of other journalists—were restored. However, Meta never publicly acknowledged the issue.

Female journalists face even greater risks, including gender-based threats and workplace harassment.

Bahjo Abdullahi Salad was arrested on March 15 after posting a video showing rubbish left on the streets by officials at the Prime Minister’s Office.

“Early that morning, they arrested me and accused me of working with terrorists. I was forced to delete the video. It was only after my family intervened and fellow journalists protested that I was released,” Bahjo said. “But even now, NISA agents continue to monitor me.”

SJS Secretary General Abdalle Mumin denounced the ongoing attacks on journalists by both state forces and Al-Shabaab.

“It is unacceptable that both the terrorist group and Somali security forces—many of whom are former Al-Shabaab members—are targeting journalists, especially in Mogadishu,” he said. “We call for immediate action at national and international levels to protect journalists, hold perpetrators accountable, and safeguard media freedom.”

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In recent months, freedom of the press in Somalia has  significantly deteriorated, while security challenges continue to rise. The Al-Shabaab militant group has recently escalated its campaign on Mogadishu and surrounding areas, launching raids and planting bombs in key civilian areas. In response, the authorities announced a ban on any reporting concerning the security situation in Mogadishu, which has left a large information gap for Somali citizens.

This illegal ban on reportage on the security situation has been used as a pretext to suppress press freedom in Somalia. Earlier this month, Somali Police arrested Feisal Omar (Reuters) for reporting on a protest by the Somali Bantu minority community, and the directors of a local outlet, Shabelle Media, Abukar Sheik Mohamud and Mahmud Abdinasir Soofeeysane, for hosting an interview on insecurity in Mogadishu.

This recent trend began in February 2025 after journalists reported on the United States embassy’s security alert regarding imminent attacks in Mogadishu. The local police commissioner in Mogadishu threatened to detain “anyone who reports on security issues in a hot and dark cell with no lights.” On March 18, after an Al-Shabaab bombing targeting the Somali President’s convoy outside the presidential palace, which sadly claimed the life of journalist Mohamed Abukar Dabaashe, Somali police arrested nineteen journalists from both local and international outlets who were on the scene to report the news. In addition, the police raided and shut down the offices of Risaala Media Corporation without a warrant after Risaala Media’s reporting on the bombing. Five other journalists were arrested and taken to the local police station for interrogation before being released with a warning not to report on security issues.

On March 25, journalist Ibrahim Mohamed Mayow was forcibly disappeared by armed officers linked to the regional police commissioner after reporting on an Al-Shabaab attack in the town of Afgooye, outside of Mogadishu. Mr. Mayow was summoned by the police commissioner after he published a video showing the aftermath of the mortar attack. Although local journalists went to the Afgooye police station to inquire about his whereabouts, the station informed them that they did not have him in custody. SJS confirms that Mr. Mayow was held in an undisclosed location until March 28, when he was driven to Mogadishu and thrown out of the car. The Somali police, who were responsible for his abduction, never issued any statement regarding his kidnapping or release.

Even journalists who were reporting on issues unrelated to the security situation have been caught up in the net of repression. On March 15, after journalist Bahjo Abdullahi Salad reported on leftover food and waste being dumped in a neighborhood in Mogadishu, agents from the National Intelligence and Security Agency raided her home, arrested her, and interrogated her for four hours. Her report was seen as a criticism of the Prime Minister, who had attended an event nearby that contributed to the dumping, and she was only freed after other journalists protested her detention.

“We are deeply alarmed by the escalating attacks on journalists across Somalia and the worsening security situation facing the media. The recent attacks on journalists in Mogadishu by Somalia’s police and national intelligence (NISA) and the death of journalist Mohamed Abukar Dabaashe in an Al-Shabaab bombing in Mogadishu, which also claimed the lives of innocent civilians, is a tragic reminder of the dangers journalists face while informing the public,” said SJS Secretary General, Abdalle Mumin. “Somali authorities must end this culture of silencing critical voices and ensure journalists can work without fear of violence, arrest, or intimidation.”

“The ban on reportage around security issues is not a permissible limitation to the right to freedom of speech under human rights law,” said Ikechukwu Uzoma, senior staff attorney at RFK Human Rights. “Somali authorities must begin to see a free press as a critical part of the advancement of peace and security in the country—journalism is not a crime,” he added.

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SJS is deeply honored that our Secretary General, Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, has been named among this year’s distinguished 2025 finalists. [Read finalists here]

Beyond his role at SJS, Abdalle Ahmed Mumin has relentlessly dedicated his life to defending press freedom, promoting transparency, and standing up for human rights in Somalia—often at grave personal risk. He has faced imprisonment, torture, threats, and endless persecution simply for speaking truth to power.

“Abdalle Mumin was imprisoned because of his unwavering commitment to defending human rights and press freedom in Somalia. His selection as one of this year’s finalists for the Allard Prize is more than a personal achievement—it is a powerful symbol of hope for the thousands of Somali journalists and human rights defenders who continue to endure threats, harassment, and oppression,” said Mohamed Ibrahim, President of the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS). “Abdalle’s courage fuels a new generation of truth-tellers and justice seekers. His recognition not only honors his sacrifice but also reinforces SJS’s commitment to our critical mission—pursuing press freedom, defending journalists, and promoting human rights with even greater determination and resilience.”

His selection as one of this year’s finalists for the Allard Prize is more than a personal achievement—it is a powerful symbol of hope for the thousands of Somali journalists and human rights defenders who continue to endure threats, harassment, and oppression,” – Mohamed Ibrahim, SJS President.

“Let us be absolutely clear: If Abdalle Mumin wins this award, it will be a resounding recognition of his bravery, unwavering dedication, and personal sacrifice in defense of human rights, government accountability, and media freedom. It will undoubtedly inspire thousands of journalists and human rights defenders across Somalia and beyond,” adds Mr. Ibrahim. “Moreover, it will send an unmistakable message to those who seek to silence truth and oppress freedom—that the world is watching, and it stands firmly with those who dare to speak out.”

The entire SJS network of journalists and community of defenders stand proudly beside our Secretary General, Abdalle Mumin, and reaffirms our unwavering commitment to advancing press freedom, protecting journalists, and promoting human rights.  We also extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Abdalle on this remarkable recognition.

The Allard Prize, named after Peter A. Allard, a Canadian lawyer and renowned human rights champion, recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership and courage in combating corruption and defending human rights.

The Allard Prize Award Ceremony will be held on June 17, 2025, at Tribeca Rooftop in New York City, U.S, where the winner will receive a $100,000 CAD prize.

The post Global Recognition: SJS SG Abdalle Mumin Among Finalists for 2025 Allard Prize for International Integrity appeared first on Kaab TV.