Press Freedom Challenges in Somalia and North Western State of Somalia: A 2025 Perspective

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring

As the year unfolded from January to April 2025, Somalia and its neighboring region of North Western State of Somalia experienced a notable increase in attacks directed at journalists and media entities. The safety of those tasked with telling the nation’s stories remains a pressing issue, particularly in Mogadishu. This bustling capital, with its vibrant markets and resilient spirit, has regrettably become one of the most treacherous locales for media professionals in the country.

Let’s pause for a moment. Have you ever considered what it truly means to live in a place where speaking truth carries such peril? This is the somber reality for many journalists like Mohamed Abukar Dabaashe. On the fateful day of March 18, 2025, Dabaashe was tragically killed in an Al-Shabaab bombing, which targeted the Somali president’s convoy near the presidential palace—a place ironically dubbed among the safest zones in Mogadishu.

Inadequate responses from the authorities seem to underscore a broader culture of impunity, as the Somali government continues to shirk from thoroughly investigating such egregious acts. The chilling effect on journalistic freedom is profound. If we fail to hold those accountable for anti-press violence, what hope remains for justice?

Throughout this span, the statistics speak volumes. Between January 1 and April 30, no fewer than 46 journalists found themselves under arrest or detention, two others were kidnapped, and disappeared in Lower Shabelle, Southwest State. These numbers reflect not just isolated incidents but a systemic issue. Southwest State imposed restrictions on three local radio stations during Ramadan, while North Western State of Somalia shut down Universal TV. Meanwhile, in Mogadishu, police forces launched a raid on Radio Risaala. It’s disheartening to note that over 30 journalists had their equipment confiscated, with 10 others enduring physical assaults and intimidation.

The harsh reality affects both male and female journalists, though the toll is heavier on men, who represent 89.5% of those impacted. However, female journalists faced both physical attacks and online censorship, with six incidents targeting women reporters specifically.

Both government entities and the insurgent group Al-Shabaab share culpability in this increasingly hostile environment for media workers. Offline threats such as arbitrary arrests and killings are matched by their online counterparts, with censorship efforts losing none of their potency in the digital age.

Take a moment to consider this: the State Security Forces and Police, many of whom are defectors from Al-Shabaab themselves, have led numerous raids and intimidations against journalists. The National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) continues to hold its reputation for unlawful detentions and harassment, particularly within the bustling streets of Mogadishu. A startling surge in arrests—41 in Mogadishu alone—is a stark indicator of the growing threat to press freedom in this vibrant capital.

Government officials, including prominent figures from the Ministry of Information and Ministry of Internal Security, have not shied away from openly targeting journalists critical of their administration or those reporting on Al-Shabaab’s antagonistic maneuvers or military withdrawals. This climate of fear has coerced many journalists into a corner of self-censorship or even forced them to seek refuge elsewhere.

Social media, a beacon of hope and a platform for expression, has not been immune to this crackdown. Facebook has emerged as a crucial platform for Somali journalists, yet Meta—a company steering the social media giant—increasingly removes content or restricts pages upon government prompting. At least seven journalists and media outlets were impacted in this manner during the reporting period. What does this say about our digital freedom?

The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) strongly urges immediate measures both nationally and internationally. The path forward demands protection for journalists, accountability for perpetrators, and an unwavering commitment to safeguarding media freedom against this alarming repression.

For the full report, read more here.