Somalia media freedom under growing threat as violations rise, report warns

Somalia’s media freedom environment deteriorated sharply in 2025, with journalists facing killings, arrests, intimidation and widespread impunity, according to a new report by the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ).

The latest State of the Media Report paints a grim picture of conditions for reporters and media organisations, documenting what it described as a persistent pattern of abuse and pressure targeting the press across the country.

Between January 1 and December 31, 2025, NUSOJ recorded 72 media freedom violations. Of those, 70 cases involved individual journalists, while two incidents directly targeted media houses.

“The report documents a pattern of persistent abuse and unchecked violations, showing that attacks on the press remain widespread and largely unpunished,” NUSOJ said.

The killing of journalist Mohamed Abukar Mohamed, also known as Dabaashe, was cited as one of the most serious incidents during the year, highlighting the continued dangers faced by Somali journalists.

According to the report, Banadir region — home to the capital Mogadishu — accounted for 39 of the recorded cases, representing more than half of all violations. 

Somaliland followed with nearly one-third of the reported incidents, while the rest were spread across Puntland, Galmudug, Jubaland and Southwest states.

NUSOJ noted spikes in violations during May and September, suggesting attacks on journalists tend to intensify during politically sensitive periods or moments of heightened public scrutiny.

Violations listed in the report included arbitrary arrests, threats, physical assaults, legal harassment and obstruction of reporting. 

Many of the incidents were linked to coverage of corruption, land disputes, political tensions and security operations.

“The pattern suggests a deliberate attempt to silence critical reporting and restrict the flow of information,” the report said.

Security forces were identified as leading perpetrators, with police — particularly in Banadir — responsible for the majority of violations recorded. 

However, NUSOJ said there had been little to no accountability for abuses committed against journalists.

“The absence of investigations or prosecutions has entrenched a culture of impunity, allowing abuses to persist unchecked,” the union said.

Beyond direct threats and violence, the report also highlighted difficult economic conditions facing media workers. 

“This not only perpetuates poor working conditions but promotes unethical practices, erodes media credibility and integrity and results in poor quality journalism in general,” NUSOJ Secretary General, Omar Faruk Osman added.

Many journalists reportedly earn low wages or no regular salaries at all, with some paid less than $100 per month.

NUSOJ said the lack of formal contracts and labour protections leaves journalists vulnerable to exploitation and outside influence, undermining both livelihoods and editorial independence.

Women journalists were found to face additional risks. The report documented 29 cases of sexual and gender-based violence in 2025, occurring both in media workplaces and online spaces.

“These violations, often driven by intimidation and discrimination, contribute to the marginalisation of women in journalism and limit diverse representation in the media,” the report stated.

Legal restrictions were also cited as a major concern. 

NUSOJ said continued reliance on Somalia’s 1964 Penal Code, combined with restrictive clauses in the 2020 Media Law and the broad application of anti-terrorism legislation, has enabled authorities to criminalise journalistic work.

According to the report, these laws are often used against journalists covering politically sensitive issues or national security matters.

The union warned that the decline in media freedom carries wider implications for Somalia’s democratic development, governance and public trust.

“Restrictions on journalism undermine transparency, weaken accountability, and limit citizens’ access to reliable information,” NUSOJ said.

Somalia has made efforts in recent years to stabilise institutions after decades of conflict, but journalists and rights groups have repeatedly warned that intimidation of the press remains a serious obstacle to reform.

In response to the latest findings, NUSOJ called for urgent measures including independent investigations into all violations, prosecution of perpetrators, legal reforms to better protect press freedom and improved pay and working conditions for journalists.

It also urged authorities to fully implement the National Action Plan on the Safety of Journalists adopted in 2022.

“Without sustained action, Somalia risks further deterioration of press freedom, with serious consequences for democratic progress, stability, and the protection of fundamental rights,” the report warned.