Local Reporter Luqman Released After a Night in Detention in Gedo Region Due to Facebook Post

MOGADISHU, Somalia, October 4, 2024 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) is relieved to announce that journalist Luqman Sheikh Abdullahi Kerow was set free on the evening of October 4, following an over 24-hour confinement by the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) in Luuq town.

Just around 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 3, 2024, the Arlaadi Media Network reporter found himself in the clutches of NISA at their Luuq facility. The drama unfolded after Luqman’s Facebook declaration about “the imminent appointment of a new security head for Luuq,” shared Director Abdirahman Jeylani of Arlaadi Media Network with SJS.

Luqman’s summons came from the NISA head honcho in Luuq, Abdirahman Sahane, demanding his presence at their headquarters on that fateful Thursday. Once there, he faced questioning about his post’s source and was promptly held overnight in their detention quarters.

Friday evening saw his release at 8:00 p.m., albeit with conditions—Luqman was coerced into scrapping his Facebook post and issuing a public apology, now permanently etched on his Facebook.

“Though no formal charges were filed, they nabbed my phone. My folks tried to visit but hit a brick wall,” Luqman revealed to SJS just after tasting freedom.

Recently, Luuq town has been the stage for chaos, sparked by clan militias clashing over control, with local security siding, culminating in mass displacements. According to SJS, the volatile atmosphere compounds difficulties for journalists who persist in their duties amidst stalled peace talks.

Aside from conflict woes, journalists and locals alike face dire humanitarian strife. SJS training programs have been vital, equipping Luqman and his peers with skills to highlight climate change’s grim impacts on Gedo region, where extreme climate events wreak havoc. This past April alone, close to 100,000 residents of the flood-ravaged Bardhere, recovering from severe drought, felt nature’s wrath.

“We decry the wrongful detention of our colleague, Luqman Sheikh Abdullahi Kerow, and the ongoing hostility towards media workers in Gedo,” stated Abdalle Mumin, SJS Secretary-General.

“We urge Gedo’s authorities to halt threats and maltreatment of journalists dutifully covering essential news. They deserve to work openly, without looming threats,” Mr. Mumin emphasized.