Somalia – 24 February 2026 – The Somali Media Women Association (SOMWA) is deeply alarmed by the abduction and continued incommunicado detention of journalist Abdihafid Nur Barre, a reporter with Somali Cable Television, a privately owned television network.According to information received, Abdihafid Nur Barre was abducted mid-night from his home last night in the Waberi District of Mogadishu.
Members of the Somali National Army (SNA) are holding him, according to sources. However, his exact place of detention remains unknown, and no official charges have been communicated.
The circumstances surrounding his arrest raise serious concerns about due process, transparency, and the safety of journalists. The continued absence of official information from the SNA regarding his whereabouts and the reasons for his detention has created significant anxiety among members of the media community and his family, who fear for his safety and well-being. In the absence of any clear legal basis for this action, SOMWA strongly condemns the abduction of journalists and any form of arbitrary arrest. Journalists must not be targeted for carrying out their professional duties.
The military authorities have a clear obligation to respect media freedom and to ensure that any action taken against a journalist complies fully with national law and international human rights standards.“This is an unacceptable and unlawful act,” said Maryan Seylac, SOMWA Executive Director. “Abducting a journalist at night during this blessed Ramadan by uniformed SNA personnel and holding him incommunicado is a blatant violation of the Constitution and international human rights law. The continued refusal to disclose his whereabouts or present any lawful charges is unacceptable and deeply alarming. We demand his immediate and unconditional release.
The harassment and intimidation of journalists by armed forces must end immediately.” SOMWA calls on the Somali National Army to immediately disclose the whereabouts of Abdihafid Nur Barre, clarify the legal basis for his detention, and release him without delay.
The Association further urges the armed forces to cease targeting journalists and to guarantee his safety, including immediate access to legal representation and family members.SOMWA will continue to follow this case closely and stands in full solidarity with Abdihafid Nur Barre, his colleagues at Somali Cable Television, and his family.
