Political and security tensions strain press freedom in Somalia and North Western State of Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia 3 May 2026 – As Somalia observes World Press Freedom Day, journalists across the country and in North Western State of Somalia say they are working under growing threats and constraints, with reporters increasingly targeted as the nation navigates political uncertainty and electoral tensions.

Operating already amid severe challenges, media workers in Somalia and North Western State of Somalia are reporting a rise in arbitrary arrests, threats and intimidation by state actors. That pressure has fostered a climate of fear that curtails independent reporting and restricts public access to information protected under both Somalia and North Western State of Somalia constitutions.

Since January 2026, the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) has recorded at least 18 violations against media professionals, including the killing of a reporter in Kismayo. Local journalist Abshir Khalif Shidane was shot dead on 2 March 2026 by a Jubaland police officer, the first journalist fatality reported in Somalia this year. Authorities have arrested a suspect, who remains in detention pending trial.

Other reported abuses range from restricted access to information and arbitrary detention to threats, torture, confiscation of equipment, attacks on media outlets and kidnappings. The majority of incidents have occurred in Mogadishu and Baidoa, where pivotal electoral activities are expected to unfold. Security forces—police, intelligence agencies and special units—have stepped up actions against reporters covering sensitive subjects such as insecurity, forced evictions, land disputes and political strife.

Several journalists have been singled out. Mogadishu-based reporter Abdihafid Nor Barre was abducted twice this year, including one episode in which he was held in a military facility without charge. On 18 March 2026, two female journalists—Amiro Sulaiman Ibrahim of Kaab TV and Iqro Abdullahi Abdirahman of Five Somali TV—were violently detained while covering forced evictions in Mogadishu; Iqro was reportedly beaten before being pushed into a police vehicle.

The environment has worsened as authorities roll out new censorship measures. On 16 April, the Southwest State Minister of Security announced bans on reporting about insecurity, terrorist attacks, clan conflicts and criticism of federal and regional officials. Those curbs were introduced amid escalating tensions in Baidoa, where violence, political disputes and Al-Shabaab attacks have been reported.

In Mogadishu on 15 April 2026, the Banadir Regional Police Commander cautioned journalists against discussing the “end of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s term” or criticizing recent constitutional amendments, warning that violators could be labeled “criminals.”

Reporters in other parts of the country have faced similar repression. In Laascaanood, Abdiqani Abdirahman Mohamed was detained on 26 March after publishing an interview about political tensions and was later released only after being forced to apologize. In February, journalist Abdirisaq Abdirahman (“Kobciye”) was held and compelled to delete a video report.

North Western State of Somalia

In North Western State of Somalia, authorities have arrested at least three journalists since the start of the year. Ahmed Zaki Ibrahim, founder of Warrame Media, was detained in Hargeisa on 22 February and remains in custody. Abdiqaadir Mohamed, known as “Ishqi,” was arrested in Borama on 5 March and released days later. Mohamed Saleban Ahmed (“Suute”) was detained in Erigabo on 4 March after reporting on drought conditions and continues to face intimidation.

Marking World Press Freedom Day, SJS voiced serious alarm over the deteriorating safety and security of journalists in Somalia. The syndicate says the persistent pattern of violations, censorship and intimidation is shrinking the space for independent media and raises the prospect of further abuses as the country moves toward elections.

“On this World Press Freedom Day, we are witnessing a dangerous decline in press freedom across Somalia and North Western State of Somalia. Journalists are increasingly targeted for doing their job—reporting the truth—through arbitrary arrests, threats, and violence in awhile Somalia is going through uncertainty over the federal and regional elections,” said SJS Secretary General, Abdalle Mumin. “Even women journalists were not spared from violent attacks by the state security forces.”

“This growing repression, especially in the lead-up to elections, not only silences the media but also denies the public their fundamental right to information. Both authorities in Somalia and North Western State of Somalia must end these violations and uphold their constitutional obligations to protect freedom of expression,” added Mr. Mumin.