General update
On 23rd May 2024, James Swan began his role as the Acting Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia. On 24th June 2024, he addressed the Security Council on Somalia's situation. He emphasised Somalia's progress, including the adoption of constitutional reforms, preparations for elections, and ongoing efforts against Al-Shabaab. Swan also discussed the importance of collaborative planning and international support amidst persistent humanitarian challenges and climate-related impacts in the region.
On 26th May 2024, the Somali government requested the UN Security Council to terminate the UN political mission in Somalia, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) when its mandate expires in October 2024. Former Foreign Minister Ahmed Isse Awad criticised the decision, stating that UNSOM's role in governance, peacebuilding, security reforms and democracy remains vital.
#SOMALIA 🇸🇴 - Authorities seemingly retaliate against @sjs_Somalia for speaking out against media freedom violations, by having their bank accounts frozen reports @pressfreedom: https://t.co/e4l8eekKHb
— IFEX (@IFEX) April 24, 2024
Expression
On 13th April 2024, the Banadir Regional Court froze the Somali Journalist Syndicate's bank accounts, claiming SJS was not registered, and demanded an investigation into its transactions. Despite seeking clarification, SJS received no response. In the same month, following orders from Somalia’s Office of the Attorney General, Premier Bank and Dahabshil Bank International also suspended SJS accounts for "using fake documents and conducting illegal press activities". In a similar incident, IBS Bank also suspended SJS accounts for the same reasons.
On 16th April 2024, the Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) detained journalist Hussein Abdulle Mohamed, founder of SYL TV, after summoning him for a meeting in Mogadishu. Prior to this, Hussein had published several reports on expected sackings within the agency, as well as on an abandoned borehole on the city's outskirts where security forces allegedly dumped the bodies of assassination victims. Authorities deleted some of these reports from SYL TV platforms and Hussein’s Facebook page. On 18th April 2024, they released him.
On 12th May 2024, SSC-Khaatumo Lasanod police detained Abdirisaq Abdirahman Mohamud Duale, a reporter for Kobciye Media, after he published an interview where a member of SSC-Khaatumo forces threatened retaliation against prisoners held by Somaliland authorites, particularly those in Lasanod prison. On 19th May 2024, authorities released him without charge after eights days of detention.
On 6th June 2024, the Somali Ministry of Information announced plans to introduce new restrictions on independent reporting at a “conference on disinformation and incitement” in Mogadishu. Mayor Yusuf Hussein Jimale and religious leaders pushed for strict censorship, citing social media's role in spreading "immorality." Minister Daud Aweys announced plans for new social media guidelines.