Mogadishu–May 31, 2025 – The Somali Media Women Association (SOMWA) strongly condemns the arrest yesterday evening of Ismail Khaliif, director of Radio Wanlaweyn, by local authorities in Wanlaweyn district, Lower Shabelle region. The arrest was made following a Facebook post by Khaliif that offered a critical commentary on remarks made yesterday by the district governor, Abdukadir Mohamed Abdullahi, during Friday prayer.
The governor, in his statement, urged the public that it is compulsory for everyone to contribute to the construction of a hospital in the district. Quoting his statement, Ismail Khaliif wrote that the governor’s speech could be interpreted as a threat rather than a call to unity and that the public seeks mutual trust between the administration and the people. As of now, Khaliif remains in detention, spended the night in a prison cell, without any formal charges or legal justification.
This troubling incident comes just a day after three other journalists—Mohamed Abdi Hassan (Afgooye), Nuux Qaradawi, and Mohamed Abdukaadir (Bidaar) from Five Somali TV and RTN—were threatened and barred by Haramacad police forces from covering local protests in the Kaxda area. The protests were in response to disputes over the implementation of a one-person, one-vote electoral system in this area.
Some of these journalists who contacted SOMWA confirmed that Haramacad forces:
- Blocked the journalists from filming,
- Issued direct threats, and
- Warned them of arrest if they attempted to return to cover the story.
A Pattern of Escalating Repression
These developments represent an alarming pattern in which state security forces, including specialised units like Haramacad, are misusing their authority to silence journalistic scrutiny under the guise of maintaining order.
“It is deeply disheartening to see that the Haramacad forces, known for their counterterrorism operations, are now threatening journalists and labelling them as criminals for simply doing their jobs. The arrest of Ismail Khaliif over a social media post is unacceptable and politically motivated. We call on the Wanlaweyn administration to release him immediately and unconditionally,” said Maryan Seylac, Executive Director of SOMWA.
SOMWA’s Demands:
SOMWA calls on the Somali government and regional authorities to:
- Immediately release journalist Ismail Khaliif and drop all attempts to criminalise legitimate journalistic expression.
- Investigate the conduct of Haramacad officers who intimidated and blocked journalists in Kaxda, and take appropriate disciplinary action.
- Reaffirm the government’s commitment to press freedom and the safety of media workers, particularly those reporting on governance, elections, and public accountability.
Journalism Is Not a Crime
Freedom of the press is enshrined in the Provisional Constitution of Somalia and protected under international law. Arresting journalists for voicing dissent or covering public demonstrations is a blatant violation of those rights. The use of intimidation, detention, and threats to control narratives undermines Somalia’s progress toward democratic governance.
SOMWA stands in solidarity with all Somali journalists working under increasingly dangerous conditions and reaffirms its commitment to advocating for their protection.
