Escalating Press Freedom Violations Recorded Against Somali Journalists in August 2025
Mogadishu, August 31, 2025 – The month of August 2025 witnessed alarming levels of harassment, intimidation, and arrests of Somali journalists across multiple regions, further eroding press freedom in the country. A total of seven incidents were documented: five in Mogadishu, one in Adaado (Galmudug State), and one in Hargeisa (Somaliland). These cases once again demonstrate the grave risks faced by media professionals in the line of duty.
Key incidents include:
August 3 (Mogadishu): Somali Police arrested journalists Hussein Isse Mohamed, Osman Abdullahi Mohamed, and Mahad Mutawakkil from SMS TV and Daash TV outside the SMS TV headquarters after covering public grievances over government land seizures. No official justification was provided.
August 5 (Adaado, Galmudug State): Radio Deegaan reporters Hashim Omar Hassan and Hassan Qasaaro were detained by police after reporting on the case of a young girl who was raped and later found dead, an incident that sparked widespread public concern.
August 5 (Hargeisa, Somaliland): Journalist Ahmed Mahmoud Dool was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), reportedly linked to his social media posts. According to the Somaliland Journalists Association (SOLJA), his case has since been postponed indefinitely, raising serious due process concerns.
August 18 (Mogadishu): Security forces briefly detained Himilo Somali TV journalist Omar Guux for one hour before releasing him without explanation.
August 26 (Mogadishu): Dalbile TV reporter Aniso Ahmed was arrested after reporting on insecurity in Deyniile district. Initially detained at Waaberi station, she was later transferred to Deyniile police custody in what appeared to be an attempt to unlawfully suppress her reporting.
August 28 (Mogadishu): Two Kalsan TV journalists, Faisal Abdi Farah and Hassan Mohamed Xashi, were detained by plainclothes NISA officers in Hamarweyne district. Held for two hours, they were threatened and intimidated before being released without charge.
August 28 (Mogadishu): Hirasho TV journalist Farhan Mohamed Baraale reported repeated threats from the Deyniile district police commander regarding his coverage of insecurity, alongside additional pressures from other police stations to silence his reporting.
In conclusion, the August 2025 incidents reflect a deeply troubling escalation of violations against Somali journalists, including arbitrary detention, intimidation, harassment, and threats. The majority of these violations occurred in Mogadishu, underscoring the urgent need for concrete measures to safeguard press freedom and ensure the safety of media professionals throughout the country.
