NUSOJ Raises Alarm Over Arrests and Harassment of Journalists Amid Rising Political Tensions in Mogadishu

The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) expresses deep concern over a troubling pattern of arrests, intimidation and attacks against journalists operating in Mogadishu during a period marked by heightened political tensions. The incidents, all involving officers of the Somali Police Force, reflect a worsening environment for media professionals, particularly those covering sensitive developments including evolving political dynamics in the capital.

The journalists targeted in the incidents represent six respected media organisations: Kalsan TV, Goobjoog Media Group, Shabelle Media Network, Somali Stream, Somali Cable TV and Kaab TV. NUSOJ considers the actions taken against these journalists to be part of an escalating crackdown on independent reporting at a time when public access to credible information is critically important.

On 6 May 2026 at around 5:00 PM, officers of the Somali Police Force arrested two Kalsan TV journalists, Ja’far Mohamed Jim’ale and cameraman Noradin Hasan Ali, while they were covering confrontations in the Warlaliska neighbourhood of Dayniile District between the public and the security forces. According to information received by NUSOJ, the journalists were initially detained at Dayniile District Police Station before being secretly transferred the following day to Garisbaley District Police Station. The transfer appeared intended to conceal their whereabouts from their families and their media house leadership, who continued searching for them at the original detention location.

During their detention, the two journalists were subjected to punishment and degrading treatment by police officers. They were reportedly ordered to carry out repeated jumping exercises for prolonged periods alongside other forms of ill-treatment. Journalist Ja’far Mohamed Jim’ale also reported that police officers confiscated a camera and a smartphone belonging to the journalists, both of which remain missing. The two journalists were released on 7 May 2026 without any formal charges being brought against them.

In a separate incident on the night of 6 May 2026, Goobjoog Media Group journalist Rowdo Hassan Abdi (Takilo) was detained by officers of the Somali Police Force while travelling home in Mogadishu. The arrest was carried out without explanation and she was held in custody overnight.

Although the journalist was released on 7 May 2026, the circumstances surrounding her arrest remain deeply concerning. Following her release, Rowdo Hassan Abdi (aka Takilo) stated on social media that police officers informed her the arrest had been a mistake and allegedly intended for another individual, while also issuing an informal verbal apology.

On the same day, 6 May 2026, Shabelle Media Network journalist Shukri Aabi Abdi and cameraman Abdullahi Abdifatah Sidow were detained by officers of the Somali Police Force in Hamar Jajab District while reporting from the scene of forced evictions. The journalists were taken to Hamar Jajab Police Station where they were held for several hours before being released later the same day. Although no physical assault or confiscation of equipment was reported in this case, the detention itself constituted an unlawful obstruction of legitimate journalistic work.

Further incidents occurred in Wadajir District on 8 May 2026 involving journalists Abdishakur Mohamed Mohamud (Shakra), Director of Somali Stream’s Mogadishu Office, freelance journalist Abdihafid Nor Barre and Mohamed Ibrahim Bulbul of Kaab TV. The three journalists were detained by officers of the National Intelligence and Security Agency of Somalia (NISA) at Kaafi Hospital while off duty. According to information received by NUSOJ, the main target was freelance journalist Abdihafid Nor Barre whom the police have been following and the attack was linked to his reporting on politically sensitive issues, including the anticipated opposition leaders’ demonstration scheduled for Sunday. The journalists were held briefly before being released later the same night.

Across all these incidents, none of the detained journalists were informed of any formal charges and no lawful procedures were followed during their arrests and detention. NUSOJ stresses that arbitrary detention of journalists by police authorities constitutes a grave abuse of power and a direct attack on media freedom and constitutional rights.

“The repeated arrest, intimidation and harassment of journalists by officers of the Somali Police Force represents a serious abuse of power and a dangerous attack on media freedom,” said Omar Faruk Osman, Secretary General of NUSOJ. “Journalists are not criminals. They are public interest professionals carrying out their constitutional duty to inform society. The actions documented by NUSOJ demonstrate a deeply worrying pattern of targeting journalists simply for doing their work.”

The union strongly condemns the conduct of the Somali Police Force in all the reported cases. Treating journalists as criminals for carrying out their professional responsibilities is unacceptable and incompatible with Somalia’s constitutional guarantees on freedom of expression and media freedom. Journalists serve the public interest and must never be subjected to punishment, intimidation or harassment for performing their duties.

“What is particularly alarming is that these arrests were carried out without due process, without formal charges and in some cases involved degrading treatment and deliberate attempts to conceal the whereabouts of detained journalists from their families and media organisations,” Osman added. “The Federal Government of Somalia must urgently ensure that the Somali Police Force stops interfering with journalists and guarantees that media professionals can operate freely and safely without fear of arrest, intimidation or retaliation.”