Journalists face murder, abductions and bans on entry in retaliation

GENERAL UPDATE

Authorities continued to restrict independent reporting, particularly related to security issues. State actors, particularly the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), have been implicated in violations, including intimidation, arbitrary arrests, and harassment of independent media. Although Somalia’s ranking in the World Press Freedom Index 2026 improved from 136th in 2025 to 126th in 2026, Somalia remains one of the most dangerous countries for journalists, with more than 50 killed since 2010. Al-Shabab continues to indiscriminately commit targeted attacks against civilians, journalists and HRDs.

In December 2025, 14 out of the 15 members of the UN Security Council (UNSC) condemned Israel’s formal recognition of Somaliland. Somalia’s UN ambassador, Abu Bakr Dahir Osman, appealed to members of the UNSC to firmly reject Israel’s “act of aggression”, which he said not only threatened to fragment Somalia but also to destabilise the wider Horn of Africa and the Red Sea regions. Although Somalia has not controlled Somaliland since it declared independence in 1991, it has never recognised Somaliland’s secession.

Association

In early February 2026, Somalia's Trade Unions represented by the Somali Congress of Trade Unions (SOCOTU) rejected the newly launched Somali Labour Code (Law No. 36), arguing that it fails to comply with international labour standards since it was adopted without the meaningful participation of workers' representatives. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention No. 144, requires consultation among governments, employers, and workers concerning labour law reforms. According to SOCOTU, the new Labour Code violates the requirements of ILO Conventions No. 87 and No. 98, which protect the right to freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining. The criticised provisions in the law allow extensive ministerial control over trade unions, weaken collective bargaining processes, and fail to establish independent enforcement mechanisms.

Expression

The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) condemned the killing of broadcast journalist Abshir Khalif Shide, who was shot dead on 2nd March 2026, in Kismayo Omar. The fatal shooting allegedly followed a short altercation between Abshir and a police officer. NUSOJ established that Abshir was returning from an Iftar gathering with fellow journalists, where they had been editing a programme recorded earlier featuring politicians. He had recorded a voiceover for the video, which was scheduled for release later that same night. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and the full circumstances surrounding the incident are yet to be determined.

Separately, NUSOJ expressed its concern at the abduction and continued incommunicado detention of journalist Abdihafid Nur Barre, a reporter with Somali Cable Television, a privately owned television network. Abdihafid Nur Barre was abducted on 23rd February 2026 from a restaurant in the Waberi District of Mogadishu. It is alleged that he is being held by members of the Somali National Army (SNA). However, the exact place of detention remains unknown, and no official charges have been communicated. NUSOJ however believed that his arrest and detention are linked to his critical reporting.

On 28th January 2026, three journalists working in Mogadishu were barred from entering Parliament. Nimo Muhudiin Ardofe of Somali Cable TV, Amina Ibrahim Abdirahman of Arlaadi TV and Rowda Hassan Taakile of Goobjoog TV were denied access after publishing video clips on their social media accounts showing disorder during constitutional debates. On 2nd February 2026, they were again denied entry by parliamentary officials and security forces.