The Struggle for Press Freedom in Somalia

In a world where the freedom of speech is all too often taken for granted, the recent events in Somalia serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of this fundamental right. The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) and the Somali Media Association (SOMA) have been vocal in their condemnation of the arrest of five journalists from the Risaala Media Corporation. These arrests took place following a police raid on their station in Mogadishu on what seemed like an ordinary Tuesday afternoon, March 18, 2025.

One might wonder: What could drive such a drastic action? The answer lies in a complex web of violence and authority. Somali police officers, under the command of Abdi Ali, stormed into the radio station in the bustling district of Hamar Jajab. Vulnerable, yet defiant, the station went off-air as officers detained all five journalists, accusing them of improper reporting.

Among those apprehended were some of the station’s most dedicated staff: Ali Ibrahim Abdullahi Suheyfa, known for his insightful reporting, Hamda Hassan Ahmed, a trailblazer for female journalists, Mohamed Said Nur and Abdalla Sharif Ali, both skilled cameramen, alongside Liban Abdullahi Hussein, the technical heartbeat of the radio operations. Taken to the local police station, they faced intense interrogation. Their alleged crime? Providing coverage of the day’s bombing in the heart of Mogadishu.

This incident was significant. The sabotage targeted Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s convoy near the presidential palace, resulting in tragic casualties. Risaala Media was on the forefront, being the first to break the news. This keen journalistic vigilance, however, became their unintentional downfall.

“Why did you report on the bombing?” asked Banadir Police Commissioner Moalim Mahdi, as he visited the journalists in their holding cell. The question lingers; whose interests are truly being served?

With heavy hearts, it was confirmed that Mohamed Abukar Dabashe, a journalist and former colleague, was among those killed in the heinous attack, marking a sorrowful statistic as the first journalist to lose their life in Somalia in 2025. As the militant group Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility, the harsh reality of reporting in conflict zones came sharply into focus.

Notably, this raid was executed without a court warrant. Risaala Media’s management confirmed that the directive came directly from Banadir Regional Police Commissioner Mahdi Omar Mumin, also known by the sobriquet Moalim Mahdi. The background of both Mahdi and Abdi Ali adds an additional layer of complexity. As former defectors from Al-Shabaab, they’ve been woven into the tapestry of the Somali police, showing how intertwined and convoluted alliances can become.

Abdalle Mumin, the Secretary General of SJS, ardently decried the actions as a dark stain on press freedom. In his words, “Silencing independent media through intimidation and force only serves to suppress the truth.”

Indeed, this suppression of independent reporting not only blinds the public but also erodes accountability and transparency – two pillars essential in navigating times beset with terror and uncertainty.

With all five journalists now released, there is a call for Risaala Media to resume its crucial operations, yet the scars of the raid remain vivid. Similar sentiments are echoed by SOMA, whose Secretary General, Mohamed Abduwahab Abdullahi, emphasized the need for a lasting understanding between the press and the government. “While we welcome their release, this attack on journalists must not be repeated,” he implored, reinforcing that “the work of journalists telling the story of what is happening is not a crime.”

This incident is not just a local narrative but a resonating echo on the stage of global press freedom challenges. What must we learn when the quest for truth places lives on the line? And in the vast tapestry of a free society, how crucial is the role of those who choose to keep us informed, even under the shadow of fear?

Edited By Ali Musa, Axadle Times international–Monitoring.