Press Freedom Under Siege in Somalia
In the bustling streets of Mogadishu, a city ever-recovering from decades of turmoil, the challenging landscape for journalists like Omar Yusuf Mohamed reveals an increasingly disturbing pattern. On August 18, 2025, Omar, a dedicated journalist with Himilo Somali TV, found himself at the center of an unsettling episode that underscores the precarious nature of press freedom in Somalia.
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A Routine Stop Gone Awry
As dusk fell in the Dharkeenley district, Omar was traveling in a tuktuk when he was stopped by officers from the Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) at a routine checkpoint. The request for identification seemed standard at first, but the situation quickly escalated. Despite presenting his journalist ID, Omar was detained and subjected to verbal threats and harassment.
“They spoke briefly on the phone with my media director and later told me I was under arrest,” Omar recounted. His ordeal, lasting nearly an hour, ended only when word of his detention began to spread. This incident, however, is far from isolated in the Somali media landscape.
The Targeting of Truth-tellers
The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) immediately condemned the harassment of Omar, citing it as the latest in a series of attacks against media workers in the country. This incident highlights a troubling trend where reporting on sensitive topics like security, forced evictions, and a contentious voter registration process puts journalists at risk.
Omar’s recent investigative pieces for Himilo Somali TV, covering issues such as political unrest and the forced evictions in Mogadishu, have drawn the ire of NISA. The broadcaster has faced similar incidents before. In June, armed officers demanded the removal of an interview where a young man spoke of being forced into voter registration. Such actions underscore the constant threats media houses face when challenging authority.
A History of Intimidation
The embattled Himilo Somali TV has frequently been targeted due to its critical reporting. Last year, NISA’s aggressive stance was evident when they attempted to arrest Nuur Abdirahman, the editor, following reports on business closures amid Al-Shabaab threats. Nuur, fearing for his life, went into hiding—a fate not uncommon among Somali journalists.
Omar’s story is particularly poignant, having fled with his family from Jowhar to Mogadishu to escape persecution by a government-affiliated clan militia. In February, he was kidnapped in Lower Shabelle while reporting on community grievances. His courageous return to journalism is a testament to the resilience of journalists operating under such oppressive circumstances.
The Global Implications
These incidents cannot be viewed in isolation. Globally, press freedom is under assault, with journalists facing threats from authoritarian regimes keen to silence dissent. Organizations like Reporters Without Borders have repeatedly warned about increasing violence against journalists worldwide, with Somalia ranked among the most dangerous countries for media workers.
This pattern raises critical questions: How can the international community respond effectively to protect journalists? What measures are needed to ensure freedom of the press, particularly in conflict zones where information is a lifeline to truth?
Voices Raised in Solidarity
“It is deeply troubling that NISA is targeting journalists who report on human rights abuses,” said Abdalle Mumin, SJS Secretary General. “These actions are a blatant abuse of power and must stop immediately. Those perpetrating these abuses must be held accountable.”
The SJS calls for a cessation of NISA’s intimidation tactics and for the protection of journalists striving to report transparently on issues impacting the most vulnerable. Omar’s experience amplifies a common plea among journalists: the need for safety and freedom to pursue the truth without fear of persecution.
Moving Forward: A Call for Action
The harassment faced by journalists like Omar is a stark reminder of the fragility of press freedom. As global citizens, it is imperative to advocate for the protection of journalists, ensuring that their rights are upheld. Supporting international efforts to safeguard free press and holding governments accountable are crucial steps in this fight.
As the world watches, the plight of Somali journalists serves as both a cautionary tale and a rallying cry. Their courage demands our attention and action, challenging us to consider what is at stake when the truth is threatened.
By recognizing and challenging these oppressive dynamics, we can collectively strive towards a world where journalists can work without fear, and where truth and transparency prevail.
By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
