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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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.

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At around 2:30 PM local time, Mogadishu police attacked five local journalists who were reporting on a group of women protesting in Mogadishu streets against the reported gang rape of a young Somali woman in Nairobi, Kenya and the alleged forced marriage of an underage girl to an older man in Puntland.

These two incidents have sparked public outrage across Somalia in recent days, highlighting the brutal violence that women and girls continue to face.

A police officer from Hodan district, identified as Amin Abukar ‘Muniish,’ along with his officers, arrived as the women protestors—who were chanting “We want justice, and we do not consent to be raped.”—marched from KM4 towards Maka al-Mukarama on Friday. The police dispersed the protestors who were mainly young women and then turned their attention to the journalists, ordering them to stop recording interviews with the protest organizers.

As a result, four journalists—Abdirazak Haji Sidow Nor (cameraman for Himilo TV), Abdullahi Abdukadir Ahmed (reporter for Himilo TV), Abdirizak Abdullahi Adan (reporter for Radio Mustaqbal), and Abdirahman Barre Hussein (cameraman for Radio Mustaqbal)—were arrested and taken to the Hodan district police station. Later, the police also detained female journalist Anisa Abdiaziz Hussein, who was reporting for Himilo TV from the protest.

Four of the journalists interviewed by SJS stated that upon arrival at the police station, their camera equipment was confiscated, and their interviews were deleted. The male journalists were locked in a narrow cell with other detainees, while Anisa was held separately from her male colleagues. The police informed them that they would be released only on the condition that they refrain from covering protests in the future.

Eventually, all five journalists were released, and their equipment was returned.

SJS welcomes the release of the five journalists, however, SJS strongly condemns this blatant violation of press freedom of intimidating journalists, confiscating their equipment and deletion of the material from the protest, which amounts of full censorship of independent media reporting and suppression of peaceful protests. We call for the respect for media freedom and the right to protest. The officers responsible for these actions must be held accountable.

“When Somalia’s Mogadishu police attack journalists and deny women the right to protest against rampant sexual violence, it only proves that the Somali government stands with perpetrators rather than victims. This repression sends a clear message that justice for Somali women who are victims of sexual violence remains out of reach,” said SJS Secretary General, Abdalle Mumin.

“We condemn the unlawful arrest of the five journalists yesterday in Mogadishu, and the violent suppression of women protesting against sexual violence. We urge the Mogadishu authorities to return to the law and order, respect what the Somali constitution says, and uphold press freedom and protect the rights of women instead of siding with violent abusers,” Mr. Mumin adds.

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On Tuesday, 18 March, the Somali police in Mogadishu briefly arrested 19 journalists from local and international media in the aftermath of an Al-Shabaab bombing attack that targeted President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s convoy outside Villa Somalia, the presidential palace.

The attack resulted in multiple casualties, including journalist Mohamed Abukar Dabaashe. The journalist’s body was laid to rest today, Wednesday, with family and fellow journalists in attendance.

Following the attack, Mogadishu police launched a crackdown on journalists who had gone to the scene to report on the incident. The 19 journalists were detained, loaded onto a police truck, and transported to Hamar Jajab police station. At the station, police confiscated their equipment and deleted their footage and photos before releasing them.

The arrested journalists are:

1. Farah Mohamed Adam – Cameraman, Somali Cable TV
2. Abdiihafid Nor Barre – Reporter, Somali Cable TV
3. Nor Hassan Ali – Cameraman, RTN TV
4. Hamdaan Sheikh Ahmed – Reporter, RTN TV
5. Farhan Abdirisak Dahir – Cameraman, Himilo TV
6. Abdullahi Abdulkadir Dahir – Reporter, Himilo TV
7. Salman Abdirisak Shire – Cameraman, Somali People TV
8. Qasim Abdulle Barrow – Reporter, Somali People TV
9. Salah Osman Bille – Cameraman, RNN TV
10. Abdullahi Yusuf Hassan – Reporter, RNN TV
11. Ayanle Abdi Nuur – Cameraman, Goobjoog TV
12. Rowdo Hassan Abdi – Reporter, Goobjoog TV
13. Abdinasir Abukar Hared – Cameraman, Al Jazeera Arabic
14. Abdirahman Hussein – Camerajournalist, Reuters
15. Farah Abdi Warsame – Photographer, Associated Press
16. Abukar Mohamed Muhidin – Photographer, Anadolu Agency
17. Ismail Hussein Ismail – Cameraman, Dalsan TV
18. Abdisalan Jule Shakir – Reporter, Dalsan TV
19. Abdirahman Mohamed Waaberi – reporter for Daljir Media.

Shortly after these arrests, police raided the Risaala Media Corporation studio, forcibly entering the premises and shutting down both Risaala Radio and its affiliated Risaala TV. Five journalists from Risaala Media were also briefly detained before being released.

This latest crackdown comes just a week after Somali Minister of Information Daud Aweis threatened “legal action and severe punishment” against journalists and media outlets reporting on security failures in Mogadishu amid growing Al-Shabaab attacks in and around the Somali capital.

His statement on 6 March 2025, followed a terror attack warning issued by the U.S. Embassy in Mogadishu and the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi respectively.

SJS strongly condemns the brutal Al-Shabaab bombing in Mogadishu, which killed civilians, including journalist Mohamed Abukar Dabaashe. At the same time, we denounce the ruthless crackdown by Somali police on journalists, which severely undermines press freedom. Somali media remains caught between hell and the devil—today, no journalist feels safe in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, as a result of attacks from both sides.

“The Somali government’s crackdown on journalists covering security issues is a blatant attack on press freedom. Arresting reporters, confiscating their equipment, and erasing their footage only serve to silence the truth and obstruct the public’s right to information,” said SJS Secretary General, Abdalle Mumin, “Somali journalists are already risking their lives to report the facts, and this repression makes their work even more dangerous. The government must stop targeting the press and uphold media freedom as a fundamental right.”

“The Cabinet of Ministers must repeal its 6 March statement, which tends to criminalize media reporting on security issues. Police officers in Mogadishu must understand that journalists are there to tell the story—they should not be targeted, arrested, or have their equipment confiscated,” Mr. Mumin added.

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On 9 February 2025, freelance journalist Sharif Abdi, who had been held without a court order by NISA since 25 January 2025, was released. Sharif was kidnapped from Mogadishu’s city center on the night of 25 January by armed NISA officers who tracked his phone, just hours after his home in Waberi district was raided.

He was held and interrogated at Godka Jilaow, NISA’s notorious torture and detention facility at Boondheere neighborhood. According to Sharif and other sources interviewed by SJS, his repeated interrogations focused on his critical reporting on Facebook, particularly posts criticizing NISA chief Abdullahi Mohamed Ali (Sanbalolshe) who holds Somali and British citizenship.

For 10 days, Sharif was confined in a narrow, dark, and hot cell with 20 other inmates, including Al-Shabaab suspects. After 10 days, NISA resumed questioning him, focusing on his recent posts about the NISA chief’s trip to the Hiiraan region, where inter-clan conflicts have affected local communities.

On Sunday afternoon, Sharif was called by officers who informed him that his detention was meant to “discipline him and make him soft so that he won’t write critically in the future.” NISA agents then drove him to the Habar Khadijo building in Shibis district, where he briefly met the NISA chief, Mr. Sanbalolshe. At the meeting, the NISA chief warned him against posting critically in the future before releasing him.

On Friday, 7 February, a government-affiliated clan militia in Lower Shabelle kidnapped journalist Omar Yusuf Mohamed (Omar Guux), who reports for Nabad Somali TV, a Facebook-based news platform. Omar was covering local community complaints about militia raids and detentions targeting civilians in and around KM50, Lower Shabelle region.

Omar Guux told SJS that he was locked in an abandoned makeshift house in KM50 before being freed late on the same Friday. He said the militia interrogated him about his report on the disappearance of a local clan elder, who was taken after the militia raided his home on 31 January.

SJS condemns these horrific attacks on journalists in Mogadishu and Lower Shabelle. We call on all parties to respect press freedom and the independence of journalists, including those exposing NISA’s abuses and the crimes of government-affiliated militias.

“The arbitrary detention and intimidation of journalists like Sharif Abdi and Omar Guux highlight the ongoing threats to press freedom in Somalia. No journalist should be kidnapped, tortured, or threatened for simply doing their job,” said SJS Secretary General, Abdalle Mumin.

“We strongly condemn these acts and demand accountability for those responsible. The authorities must take concrete steps to investigate these violations, hold the perpetrators—whether state security agents or clan militias—accountable, and ensure the safety of all journalists. Press freedom cannot exist where impunity prevails,” Mr. Mumin added.

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