Journalists

In the Eye of the Storm: The Struggles of Somali Journalists for Truth and Accountability On a sunlit Sunday morning in Mogadishu, the air was thick with tension. The day began like any other, but for three journalists, it would turn into a nightmare. As reports emerged about armed police raiding SMS TV, a chilling reminder of the precarious state of press freedom in Somalia unfolded before our eyes. SMS TV had recently broadcasted a controversial report detailing alleged government-linked land seizures in the bustling…

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has initiated a lawsuit against Dow Jones, News Corp, Rupert Murdoch, and two reporters from The Wall Street Journal, citing claims under federal libel law, as revealed by court documents. Details of the complaint have not yet been made available; however, the lawsuit was filed in a federal court in Miami. This action follows a report from The Wall Street Journal detailing a birthday greeting that Mr. Trump purportedly sent to Jeffrey Epstein for his 50th birthday in 2003. The message…

A Somber Reflection: The Sentencing of Ahmed Awga and Its Implications for Press Freedom in Ethiopia In the realm of journalism, where the pursuit of truth often collides with authority, the story of Ahmed Awga emerges as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by journalists in many parts of the world. Ahmed, the founder of Ethiopia’s Jigjiga Television Network, recently found himself on the receiving end of a two-year prison sentence, a punishment that resonates deeply with the ongoing struggle for press freedom. The…

Former President Condemns Arrests of Journalists in Mogadishu Mogadishu (AX) – In a striking rebuke of the current political climate, former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed has fervently condemned the recent arrests of eight journalists by security personnel in Mogadishu. This distressing episode unfolded on a Saturday, marking a profound breach of press freedom and a severe affront to Somalia's democratic ideals. During a press conference held in the heart of the capital, Sharif articulated his grave concerns,…

Mogadishu (AX) — In the heart of Somalia's turbulent landscape, a disturbing trend unfolds—a relentless crackdown on the press. Since mid-March, security forces have reportedly arrested, harassed, or intimidated at least 41 media workers. This alarming situation has sparked outrage among rights groups, who label it a "war on the truth." The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has described the current period as an "alarming escalation" of hostilities against journalists. Among those raising the alarm are organizations…

Breaking Chains and Smashing Barriers Through Organised Defence of Women Journalists’ Rights in Somalia MOGADISHU, Somalia - Imagine a world where a woman's voice in journalism echoes safely and powerfully, yet still struggles to break through a sombre cloud of oppression. On this International Women’s Day, the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) shines a light on the indomitable spirit of Somali women in media – women who bravely mold public opinion, hold those in power accountable, and bring the…

As the curtain fell on December 2024, a somber report from the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) emerged, shedding light on a troubling truth: over 360 media professionals were locked away behind bars. This staggering figure serves as a stark reminder of the lengths to which some governments will go to stifle free expression, with China and Israel leading the charge in the crackdown on journalism. In its latest census, the CPJ revealed that on December 1, 2024, the tally of imprisoned journalists had hit 361—a grim…

In the ever-evolving story of North Western State of Somalia, a fresh commitment has surfaced: safeguarding the realm of free speech. Amid the bustling capital, Mogadishu, chatter swirls as the government vows to shield journalists and citizens alike from unjust confinement over dissident facts or views.President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro recently, in a heartfelt address to civil society and the press, rekindled his campaign promise to uphold democratic tenets. "Freedom of expression is vital to our governance,"…

Facebook Crackdown in Somalia Draws Heat Amid Political Friction MOGADISHU, Somalia — In an eyebrow-raising move, Somalia's political air gets thicker as Facebook suspends accounts of local political mavens and vocal scribes who've been blowing raspberries at the Federal Government. This social media surge coincides with simmering political strains in the country. Word on the street, delivered by Axadle, points to a curious exemption: supporters of the Federal Government, including those yapping for Villa Somalia, didn't…

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported that a recent airstrike in southern Lebanon, which claimed the lives of three journalists, is currently under examination. The military asserts that its operation aimed at eradicating Hezbollah combatants. "In the early hours, based on intelligence, our forces targeted a Hezbollah military installation in the Hasbaya region," the IDF shared in a communiqué to AFP. "The operation took place while the militants were present inside the facility," the statement elaborated. "Only…