Introduction
On 19th August 2024, during World Humanitarian Day, UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia, George Conway, called for the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers in conflict zones. Emphasising the theme #ActForHumanity, he highlighted the challenges faced by aid workers, particularly in Somalia, where millions suffer due to climate shocks, conflicts, and disease. Despite reduced numbers, 6.9 million people still need assistance, including 3.8 million internally displaced. Conway urged all parties to uphold international laws protecting civilians and humanitarian workers, as aid workers continue to face violence and operational challenges in Somalia.
On 29th August 2024, Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre appointed General Bashir Mohamed Jama as Minister of Family and Human Rights, which sparked outrage due to his controversial past. As a former police officer and spy chief, General Goobe is alleged to have overseen the rape of women prisoners at Mogadishu Central Prison. Human rights activists condemned the appointment as a setback for women's rights in Somalia, and a disregard of justice and undermining women's representation in leadership roles.
Peaceful Assembly
In August 2024, Somalia witnessed a series of protests against illegal taxation and extortion by government officials and private companies. Businesses in key commercial areas of Mogadishu, including Bakaro Market, Hamarweyne, Suuq Bacaad, and Madina, shut down in protest. This action followed a statement from the Mogadishu business community expressing frustration over the government's failure to address their grievances. The protests revealed a disturbing trend of targeting journalists who cover protests, with violence, as described in the Expression section below.
Expression
On 6th July 2024, Somalia’s Ministry of Information, led by Deputy Minister Abdirahman Yusuf Al-Adaala, blocked senior journalist Abdulkadir Isse Ali from posting his report on a military court hearing involving NISA members accused of killing a 14-year-old boy in April. The Ministry restricted Abdulkadir’s access to government media platforms, including the SNTV Facebook page, and posted only edited video clips without his narrative. Despite this censorship, Abdulkadir shared his full report on his personal Facebook page, where he also accused Ministry officials of exploiting Somalia’s Independence Day celebrations for financial gain. Two other state media journalists, speaking anonymously, revealed that editors at SNTV and Radio Mogadishu were ordered not to broadcast any of Abdulkadir’s news reports.
On 6th July 2024, Puntland police arrested journalist Said Abdullahi Kulmiye, who reports for online portal Kasmaal Media and Universal TV in Galkayo, after he reported on police and gunmen extorting money, in the form of “extra” taxes, from transporters at check points outside Galkayo. The police detained him at the local station after summoning him but later ordered his release without charges.
On 16th July 2024, Puntland’s Ministries of Finance and Planning, respectively, threatened criminal charges against freelance journalist Mohamed Salah. They accused him of spreading "false and misleading information" about a suspension on NGO registrations in Puntland. Prior to this, Salah in her report criticised President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s involvement in the trade of khat, a stimulant plant. The ministries announced plans to pursue charges under the Somali Penal Code and Puntland Media Law and to file a case with the Ministry of Information.
On 22nd July 2024, Mogadishu police detained Alinur Salad, a journalist and founder of Dawan Media, at Waberi Police Station. The Banadir Regional Police charged him with "immorality, false reporting, and insulting the armed forces" and announced an investigation on him before bringing him to court. Prior to this, Alinur wrote a report that linked the use of khat by Somali security forces to their increased vulnerability to Al-Shabaab attacks. The report, aired on Dawan TV and Alinur’s Facebook page, criticised President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s involvement in the khat trade and questioned his commitment to building a national army. Dawan Media reported that threats followed their critical coverage of the government. Despite President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's promise to drop the charges, on 27th July 2024, Alinur Salad was released on bail with conditions that stop him from traveling or speaking to the media, which affect his journalistic work.
On 28th July 2024, police obstructed Somali Cable TV journalist Suleyman Ahmed Rage while he covered the eviction of Internally Displaced Persons in Mogadishu’s Bondhere district. Police confiscated his phone, deleted footage, and threatened him if he continued filming.
On 10th August 2024, Mogadishu police blocked local journalists from reporting on a forced eviction affecting public lands at Bakaro market. Police spokesman Abdifatah Adan Hassan permitted only cameramen and denied access to reporters. The journalists boycotted police coverage.
On 14th August 2024, Mogadishu police assaulted and briefly detained Radio Danan journalists Abdullahi Ali Mohamud and Idiris Abdi Hassan while they reported on street protests staged by tuk-tuk taxi drivers against increased taxes and extortion. The police confiscated their phones and camera and deleted footage, before releasing them. In a similar incident, Cosob TV journalists reported that armed police officers seized their camera equipment while covering the protest at KM4 Junction.
On 18th August 2024, Somali police at Mogadishu’s Hawlwadaag station briefly detained seven journalists covering a business strike at Bakaro market after initially telling them they would attend a press conference. Three of the detained journalists were confined in the commander's office for two hours before being released and were warned to avoid reporting on the strike. In a similar incident, police detained reporter Farhan Baraale, and briefly held Voice of America (VOA) reporter Abdukadir Mohamed Abdulle and cameraman Ayuub Mohamed while they were conducting interviews at Bakaro market following business closures. The officers confiscated their equipment and phones. However, the items were later returned, and all three were released without charges.
On 19th August 2024, police detained Mustaqbal media journalists Abdirizak Abdullahi Aden and Abdirahman Abdukadir Mohamed at the Hawlwadaag police station while they were reporting on a street protest by the business community at Bakaro market. The officers confiscated their equipment, but both journalists were released later that day without facing any charges.
On 19th August 2024, police harassed and threatened two female reporters, Nimo Muhidin of Somali Cable TV and Safa Osman, a freelancer for Dalsan TV, while they were recording at Bakaro market. The market was closed due to a protest by business owners on its second day. Nimo reported that a police officer pointed his pistol at her head and forced her to leave. Safa said that another officer threatened to beat her if she did not vacate the area. In a similar incident, police expelled Abdirahman Nur Mohamed of Himilo TV and his cameraman from Bakaro market as they attempted to cover the protest against the closure of the largest market in the Somali capital, which was shut down due to "new taxes and fees." Later, on a police officer identified as Isaq Mohamed Isse interfered with their work, questioned the journalist, and accused him of "incitement" regarding the protests.
On 27th August 2024, police aggressively disbanded protesters in Mogadishu who were demonstrating against government extortion. Among those injured is BTN TV reporter Hibo Mohamoud. Officers targeted her and chased her until a police 4WD vehicle struck her Bajaj taxi and caused severe leg injuries. According to video footage, police drove into crowds and hit demonstrators. Hibo required hospitalization and surgery for a deep wound between her knee and ankle. The police have not responded to requests for clarification.
Separately, on 18th August 2024, a group of organisations urged Somalia’s government to withdraw the Official Information Bill (OIB). The organisations state that it threatens the right to information and note that the Bill, which the Council of Ministers approved in March 2024 and is now awaiting Federal Parliament endorsement, contravenes international standards and Somalia’s Provisional Constitution. They criticised the Bill’s broad exemptions, which allow the government to classify information as confidential or related to national security without adequate oversight. The organisations demand a thorough review involving all relevant stakeholders.