SJS honours young reporters amid threats to press freedom

Somali journalists honoured by Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) for their courageous reporting/HANDOUT

On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) honored four young journalists and content creators for their courageous reporting, as concerns grow over increasing attacks and restrictions targeting independent media across Somalia and Somaliland.

The awards ceremony came at a difficult moment for journalists working in the region, where media professionals continue to face intimidation, arbitrary arrests, censorship, and violence.

According to SJS, at least 18 violations against journalists have been recorded since January 2026 alone. In March, local reporter Abshir Khalif Shidane was shot dead in Kismayo, becoming the first journalist killed in Somalia this year.

The worsening situation has renewed international concern about press freedom in Somalia, long considered one of the world’s most dangerous countries for journalists.

The Committee to Protect Journalists reports that at least 86 journalists and media workers have been killed in Somalia since 1992. Last year alone, 148 cases of arbitrary arrests involving journalists were documented.

Speaking during the ceremony, Abdalle Mumin warned that media freedom in Somalia and Somaliland is rapidly deteriorating.

“On this World Press Freedom Day, we are witnessing a dangerous decline in press freedom across Somalia and Somaliland. Journalists are increasingly targeted for doing their job-reporting the truth-through arbitrary arrests, threats, and violence, at a time when the country faces uncertainty over elections,” Mumin said.

He added that women journalists are increasingly vulnerable to abuse and attacks, including violence allegedly carried out by state security forces.

Somali journalist honoured by Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) for her courageous reporting/HANDOUT

According to SJS, more than 10 percent of documented attacks against media professionals have targeted women journalists.

Despite the hostile environment, SJS said the awards were intended to celebrate resilience, creativity, and commitment to public-interest journalism among young Somali media professionals.

First place was awarded to Mohamed Jeilani Abukar from Mogadishu for his story on Bilan Media, Mogadishu’s only all-women newsroom. The report explored the daily struggles faced by women reporters and camera operators working in a conservative society.

“I was not expecting to come out on top because of the many participants,” Mohamed said. “However, I did my best and carefully thought about how to present my story creatively, focusing on an important issue—women in the media and their rights.”

Second place went to Anisa Abdiasis Hussein, whose story, “Why Telling the Truth is Dangerous?”, documented the threats and harassment faced by journalists in Mogadishu.

Third place was awarded to Abdulkadir Yasin Abdulle for his report on how clan identity silences Somali women and limits their political participation.

A special mention was given to Ismail Mohamed Sayidali for highlighting discrimination faced by people living with disabilities in Somali society.

Mumin said the initiative seeks to encourage young journalists at a time when many media workers in Somalia remain underpaid and exposed to constant risks while carrying out their duties.