SJS representatives and members of the Mogadishu media community had the opportunity to engage with Ambassador Charles King, who recently assumed his role as the new UK Ambassador to Somalia.

“Welcome to Somalia — where democracy does not work and where media freedom does not exist,” said SJS Secretary of Information and Human Rights, Mohamed Ibrahim Bulbul, in his opening remarks.

SJS expressed deep concern over the threats posed by both Al-Shabaab and the Somali Federal Government to press freedom, stressing the serious impact these threats have had on journalists.

“Journalists cannot operate in Al-Shabaab-controlled areas, while the Somali government has now adopted similar tactics to block media reporting. NISA officers are increasingly patrolling Maka al-Mukarama Road — the only road in Mogadishu where people once felt safe — and it is no longer safe now,” Bulbul added.

SJS also reported an increase in attacks in Somaliland. So far in 2025, SJS has documented over 80 cases of journalist arrests, restrictions, and other violations in Somalia and Somaliland.

A matter of particular concern raised by media directors during the meeting was that some Mogadishu media outlets “were bribed and coerced into signing agreements” that allegedly prohibited critical reporting on the disputed electoral body’s activities. These activities have included multiple reported incidents of kidnappings of vulnerable members of the local community and forced voter registration.

Similarly, forced evictions in Mogadishu are going largely unreported. Thousands of vulnerable families have been forcibly removed from their homes by armed government forces allegedly linked to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Journalists are now saying the government has promised “plot of land and money” to bribe certain media owners in exchange for suppressing coverage of these forced evictions.

SJS underscored that the recent attacks on journalists, arbitrary arrests, restrictions on reporting forced evictions, and forced voter registration in Mogadishu constitute human rights violations. SJS stresses that perpetrators should be held accountable regardless of their position or the weapons they possess.

SJS further noted that some journalists face pressure from their own media owners, who themselves have been compromised.

The outdated Somali Penal Code and the so-called Counter-Terrorism Bill remain major tools used to suppress reporting on security issues — all while Al-Shabaab militant group has intensified its terror attacks in and around Mogadishu.

SJS Secretary General, Abdalle Mumin, welcomed the candid and constructive exchange between the UK Ambassador and the Somali media community as a valuable platform to address urgent press freedom concerns.

“This discussion was a rare opportunity for Somali journalists to speak directly and openly with an international partner about the daily realities we face. Press freedom in Somalia is under unprecedented pressure — from both armed groups and state institutions — and we need stronger international support to protect journalists, uphold the public’s right to know, and defend our democracy,” said SJS Secretary General, Abdalle Mumin.

Ambassador Charles King stated UK’s commitment to support free, safe, and independent journalism in Somalia.

“Powerful voices, empowering conversations. Today’s roundtable with Somali journalists shone a light on the progress and challenges in protecting #MediaFreedom. The UK proudly stands with Somalia press — free, safe, and independent journalism is vital for democracy,” Ambassador King posted on X (formerly Twitter).

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The UK has long been a key partner in Somalia’s peacebuilding and security initiatives. Ambassador King, who was appointed in May this year, held high-level talks with Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni and Vice President Ilyas Osman Lugatoor at the Presidential Palace.

According to a statement from the Puntland presidency, the meeting—also attended by several cabinet members—focused on Somalia’s broader political and security dynamics, internal affairs of Puntland including the fight against terrorism, the democratization process, and UK-funded development projects in the region.

As part of its continued support, the UK handed over a donation of essential medicines and medical supplies to bolster Puntland’s ongoing counter-terrorism operation in the Al-Miskad mountain range.

Puntland authorities said the ambassador commended the region’s firm commitment to eliminating terrorist groups.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Ambassador King expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome during his first official visit to Garowe. “Great to visit Garowe for the first time to meet President @HESaidADeni and see this dynamic city,” he wrote.

He added that discussions focused on Somali political dialogue, joint stabilization efforts, and the fight against extremist groups like ISIS and Al-Shabaab, stressing that progress in these areas is essential for a stable and secure Somalia.

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The British Embassy in Mogadishu said King will lead the UK mission in Somalia, focusing on deepening the partnership between the United Kingdom and Somalia across critical sectors such as governance, development, security, and humanitarian assistance.

“It is an honour to serve as UK Ambassador to Somalia,” King said upon arrival. “I look forward to working closely with Somali partners to support peace, progress, and prosperity. Going far, together. Waad mahadsantihiin – aan horey u soconno wadajir.”

READ: Charles King appointed

King’s appointment was announced earlier this year by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

A seasoned diplomat, he brings extensive experience from postings in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Gaza, Egypt, and Turkey. He joined the FCDO in 2004 and is fluent in Arabic, a valuable asset for diplomatic work in the region.

His arrival reaffirms the UK’s enduring commitment to Somalia’s stability and development at a time of ongoing regional and domestic challenges.

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The UK announced an additional $3.9 million contribution to the United Nations-administered SSF Trust Fund.

The Trust Fund, managed by the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), currently supports 18,900 personnel from the Somali National Army and Somali Police Force.

In 2024 alone, UK funding enabled UNSOS to deliver 6,000 tons of food rations and 2,000 tons of diesel fuel to the SSF, along with providing casualty evacuations (CASEVAC) for hundreds of wounded personnel.

The latest contribution will ensure continued delivery of this vital logistical support.

UNSOS requires a minimum of $2 million per month to support the planned increase in SSF personnel from 18,900 to 20,900, as outlined in UN Security Council Resolution 2767 (2024).

Additional funding is urgently needed, especially for UNSOS’s life-saving CASEVAC operations during ongoing military campaigns.

The UK reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Somalia’s security transition, emphasizing the importance of enabling UNSOS to continue its essential support to the SSF.

Outgoing British Ambassador to Somalia, Mike Nithavrianakis, says the contribution shows The UK is a firm friend of Somalia and at this vital moment.

“I’m proud to be announcing further funding to support the fight against violent extremists. I encourage other partners to contribute to the UNSOS SSF Trust Fund, to support the brave Somali Security Forces and to ensure a safe and secure future for all Somalis and the region,” Nithavrianakis said.

Somalia’s National Security Advisor, Hussein Sheikh Ali, also emphasized the importance of the Trust Fund and the government’s commitment to using it responsibly.

“The logistical support provided by UNSOS has been significant for the Somali Security Forces, particularly in CASEVAC and MEDEVAC. We urge donors to increase funding in 2025 as the FGS continues to generate new forces,” said Mr. Ali.

Theft of food and fuel

Somalia has a history of aid diversion, including theft of food and fuel intended for its security forces, provided by international partners.

Last year, the U.S. government cut rations and fuel support to the elite Danab forces after Washington discovered that supplies had been misappropriated.

However, Somalia’s National Security Advisor, Hussein Sheikh Ali, says the government is committed to doing better this time.

“I reiterate the Somali government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and adherence to international standards in the use of these resources,” said Hussein Sheikh Ali.

The Head of UNSOS, Aisa Kirabo Kacyira, praised the UK’s continued support while the air evacuation remains vital for injured soldiers.

“I remain grateful to the UK Government for its steadfast support of the SSF during the ongoing transition. CASEVAC operations have saved lives and boosted the morale of the Somali forces. It is crucial to have a reliable, predictable Trust Fund, and I urge partners to also contribute as we support Somalia’s security transition,” said Kacyira.

This latest UK contribution builds on earlier funding, bringing the total UK support to more than $50 million since 2021. In February 2025, the UK contributed £5 million, following earlier donations of £5 million in September 2024, £2.75 million in April 2024, £5 million in January 2024, and £5 million in December 2023.

The funding comes at a time of growing concern, as Al-Shabaab militants have advanced toward Mogadishu, the Somali capital. The group has begun encircling the city, raising fears of a possible assault and the potential for the capital to fall under militant control.

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