Mogadishu, May 24, 2025 — The Somali Media Women Association (SOMWA) strongly condemns the latest wave of harassment and intimidation against Somali journalists by the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA).
In a deeply alarming incident, 11 journalists, including two female reporters, were arrested today while covering public interviews on Maka Al-Mukarama Street in Mogadishu.
The journalists were reportedly affiliated with well-known media houses, including Shabelle TV, Somali Cable, Goobjoog Media Group, FIVE TV, and SYL TV.
Journalists confirmed that:
- NISA forcefully deleted recorded footage from their equipment;
- Security agents threatened them with further action should they return to the area;
- Their photographs were taken by security agents as if they were criminals, an act seen as an attempt to intimidate and profile them unlawfully.
This incident represents a gross violation of Somalia’s Provisional Constitution, particularly Article 18, which guarantees freedom of expression, access to information, and press freedom. Moreover, the targeting of female journalists raises specific concerns about the increasing risks faced by women in the media profession.
Why This Matters:
This is not an isolated case. SOMWA has documented repeated instances of unlawful arrests, threats, and harassment of journalists by state security agents, particularly those covering sensitive stories or operating in public spaces.
Such actions:
- Undermine the role of the press in holding power to account;
- Erode public trust in democratic institutions;
- Create a climate of fear, particularly for female journalists who already face gender-specific threats;
- Violate international human rights norms, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
SOMWA Calls for Immediate Action:
- Immediate and unconditional release of any detained journalists;
- A transparent investigation into the conduct of the NISA agents involved.
- Public accountability for those responsible for these violations.
- A reaffirmation by the Somali Federal Government of its commitment to press freedom and journalist safety
- Special protections for women journalists who face intersecting risks of gender-based violence and repression.
Journalism is not a crime. Journalism is not terrorism.
Silencing journalists is not only a betrayal of Somalia’s constitutional order—it is a threat to every citizen’s right to know the truth.
