Stichting ASOJ

24/05/2025

Report: Media Suppression and the Historical Struggle of Somali Journalists

Issued by: Associated Somali Journalists (ASOJ)

Date: May 2025

Introduction

The media in Somalia has long been a pillar of public awareness, accountability, and civic education. Despite its crucial role, journalism in Somalia is one of the most dangerous professions in the world. Somali journalists have endured decades of persecution, harassment, and violence, particularly during periods of political instability and armed conflict. Today, those challenges remain and have reached an alarming level under the current Federal Government of Somalia.

A History of Risk and Sacrifice

Since the collapse of Somalia's central government in 1991, journalists have operated in an environment lacking rule of law, protection, and media freedom. Many were killed during the civil war, while others were forced into exile. In the last two decades, dozens of Somali reporters and media workers have been assassinated for their work. According to press freedom watchdogs, Somalia continues to rank among the worst countries for impunity in crimes against journalists.

Journalists have not only faced threats from militant groups like Al-Shabaab but also from government authorities. Both state and non-state actors have used violence and legal harassment to silence independent voices. Arbitrary arrests, censorship, and surveillance are tools frequently used against those seeking to expose corruption and injustice.

Current Crisis: Escalating Abuse and Intimidation

In recent years, and especially under the current administration, suppression of media freedom has intensified. Numerous journalists have been detained in Mogadishu and other major cities. Reports from human rights organizations indicate that in some cases, journalists have been filmed in degrading and humiliating conditions while in custody, including while undressed. These acts are intended to instill fear and deter others from practicing independent journalism or interviewing critics of the government.

The Associated Somali Journalists (ASOJ) has documented multiple cases of intimidation, coercion, and bribery aimed at silencing critical media. Independent journalists and media houses reporting on corruption, nepotism, and governance failures are systematically targeted. Some reporters are unlawfully imprisoned, while others are pressured into accepting bribes in exchange for silence.

ASOJ's Call to Action

ASOJ condemns these human rights violations in the strongest terms. We urge:

The Federal Government of Somalia to immediately cease all forms of harassment and persecution of journalists.

The international community, including the European Union, African Union, and United Nations, to pressure Somali authorities to uphold press freedom.

All media freedom organizations and human rights defenders to speak out and offer support to Somali journalists at risk.

Conclusion

The survival of democracy and good governance in Somalia depends on a free and vibrant media. Somali journalists have already paid the ultimate price to keep the public informed. The world must not remain silent while the very voices that defend democracy are being crushed. It is time to stand with the truth, and with those who risk everything to tell it.

Contact:

Associated Somali Journalists (ASOJ)Email: [email protected]: www.asoj.orgMogadishu, Somalia

24/05/2025

Media Suppression and Journalist Abuse in Somalia Reaches Alarming Levels

The suppression and abuse of journalists in Somalia has reached one of its worst levels in history. Many journalists working inside the country have been arrested, and in some cases, humiliating videos were recorded of them while undressed — as a tactic to intimidate them from ever conducting interviews critical of the Federal Government of Somalia or reporting on widespread government corruption.

The Associated Somali Journalists (ASOJ) has strongly condemned the arrests, torture, and intimidation carried out against Somali journalists operating in Mogadishu.

ASOJ has called on the international community and press freedom organizations to urgently speak out against the severe crackdown on independent media outlets working in the Somali capital.

“Some journalists have been arrested, while others have been bribed to remain silent,” said a press release from Stichting ASOJ.

20/05/2025

Mr. Dahir Alasow – Somalia’s Leading Investigative Journalist and Advocate for Truth

Mr. Dahir Alasow is widely regarded as the most prominent and courageous investigative journalist in Somalia. With a career spanning over two decades, Mr. Alasow has become a powerful voice in the fight against corruption, injustice, and impunity—often putting his own safety at risk to uncover the truth.

Born with an unyielding sense of justice and a passion for transparency, Mr. Alasow began his journalism career in the early 2000s. He quickly made a name for himself by fearlessly reporting on issues often overlooked or avoided by mainstream media, such as political corruption, organized crime, human rights violations, and government misconduct.

As the founder and editor-in-chief of Waagacusub Media, Mr. Alasow established one of the most influential and respected independent news platforms in Somalia. Through in-depth investigations, exclusive reports, and fearless commentary, Waagacusub has become a beacon of accountability and a voice for the voiceless.

Despite facing numerous threats, including legal harassment, smear campaigns, and physical danger, Mr. Alasow has remained unwavering in his mission. He has operated both within Somalia and in exile, using his platform to continue exposing the truth and holding powerful entities accountable.

In recognition of his work, Mr. Alasow has received several international awards for press freedom and human rights advocacy. His commitment to journalistic integrity and ethical reporting has inspired a new generation of Somali journalists to pursue the truth with bravery and resilience.

Today, Mr. Dahir Alasow serves not only as a symbol of press freedom but also as the Director General of Waagacusub Real Estate Company—demonstrating his versatility and leadership across industries. Through his varied roles, he continues to influence Somali society, advocating for justice, transparency, and ethical business practices.

26/04/2025

Stichting ASOJ

22/12/2024

22/12/2024

Somalia: Female Journalist Assaulted By NISA Officers, Injured While Reporting in Mogadishu
Associated Somali Journalists (ASOJ) strongly condemns the brutal and unprovoked assault on female journalist Shukri Aabi Abdi, a reporter for Risaala TV, by plainclothes officers of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA). This heinous attack occurred on Tuesday, 17 December 2024, at Mogadishu's Daljirka Dahsoon, where local residents were peacefully protesting against the demolition of their homes.

Shukri, accompanied by cameraman Ali Hassan Gure, was covering the protest and conducting interviews with affected civilians when NISA officers launched a vicious and unprovoked assault. According to video footage and photographs of the incident reviewed by ASOJ, the officers used batons and threats to silence her. Shukri sustained severe injuries to her head, neck, arms and other parts of her body, leaving her in immense pain and distress.

"I have suffered greatly. I have injuries to my head, neck, arms and all over my body. I am in severe pain and have endured immense harm," Shukri told ASOJ. "While I was simply carrying out my work, the NISA officers attacked me without speaking a word, issuing no warnings or orders to stop. Instead, they began with physical violence and continued to assault me brutally. There are no arrests or a clear path to justice."

Immediately following their violent attack on Shukri, the errant NISA officers detained cameraman Ali Hassan Gure for three hours, according to his statement to ASOJ. Once the protesters dispersed and Shukri had left the scene, the cameraman was taken to a secret service detention centre. Senior commanding officers of NISA then reportedly sought to resolve the issue discreetly, proposing an informal settlement to evade accountability. They suggested releasing the detained cameraman on the condition that Shukri accept a verbal apology.

After the cameraman's release, the commanding officers contacted Shukri to offer a verbal apology over the phone. However, she firmly rejected this inadequate and insincere gesture, demanding full justice and accountability for the violence inflicted upon her. She made it unequivocally clear that a superficial apology, offered without any concrete consequences for the perpetrators, was unacceptable.

ASOJ is outraged by this attack and demands an immediate, transparent and independent investigation into the incident. The officers involved must be held accountable and appropriate punitive measures must be taken to ensure that such egregious abuses of power are not repeated. ASOJ also calls for robust protections for journalists who face threats, violence, or attempts to silence them, particularly in this case, where there may be reprisals against Shukri for speaking out about the gravity of the attack.

"This despicable attack on journalist Shukri Aabi Abdi and the brief arrest of Ali Hassan Gure by NISA officers is an affront to press freedom and a violation of basic human rights. It is an unacceptable abuse of power by individuals tasked with safeguarding the public, not silencing journalists," said Dahir Alasow ASOJ Chairman.

"Violence against female journalists is particularly reprehensible, as it not only targets their professional work but also seeks to exploit their vulnerabilities in a deeply patriarchal society. This attack on Shukri Aabi Abdi is a direct assault on her dignity and her fundamental rights. We stand in steadfast solidarity with her and we demand justice that goes beyond empty apologies and ensures the perpetrators are held fully accountable for their actions," Osman added.

ASOJ stands in full solidarity with Shukri and supports her pursuit of justice and accountability, ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to justice and the matter is not resolved in secrecy. Violence against journalists is not only a crime against individuals but an attack on the public's right to information, the people's right to protest peacefully and the freedom of journalists to carry out their essential work without fear.

09/12/2024

Facebook Crackdown Targets Somali Politicians and Journalists Amid Political Tensions.

Over the past 48 hours, a wave of Facebook account suspensions has impacted Somali politicians, journalists, and prominent figures critical of the Federal Government. This development comes as Somalia faces heightened political tensions.
According to information gathered by Garowe Online, the suspensions have not affected individuals affiliated with the Federal Government, including members of the Federal Cabinet and others on social media who actively support Villa Somalia’s policies. The crackdown appears specifically aimed at critics of the administration.

"The accounts are being closed in two ways,” a technology expert explained to Garowe Online. "Either the individual’s travel documents are flagged to create a false death certificate that is submitted to Facebook, or accounts with weak security settings are disabled due to their vulnerability.”

Potential Constitutional Violation

The Federal Government has yet to release an official statement on the account suspensions. Meanwhile, reports of profiles falsely registered as deceased have raised concerns about possible constitutional violations regarding freedom of speech and digital privacy.

High-Profile Targets

High-profile figures impacted by the crackdown include Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni, Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam, and several ministers within Puntland’s administration. Some accounts were restricted, while others were flagged as deceased.

Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe’s account, along with others belonging to Puntland officials, was later reinstated after office technicians intervened.

Other government critics targeted include Ali Yare Ali, who has frequently expressed dissent toward President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration.

Some of Somalia's most famous journalists, some of whom have European and American citizenships, have been banned from their page accounts, such as Dahir Alasow, an Investigative Journalist.
Reporters namely. Abdikadir boss, Ali Adan Mumin, Abdullahi Balwan and Sheine Ulay.

"Journalist Dahir Alasow said he suspected that a bribe was paid to Facebook"

Facebook has not yet commented on these incidents. Information technology (IT) experts suggest that flaws in Facebook’s security may allow individuals to exploit verification systems, enabling them to falsely report accounts as deceased without proper validation.

09/12/2024

Facebook abuse of Power and bribe - Somali Media & Veteran Journalists accounts.
We, the undersigned organizations, strongly condemn the recent wave of coordinated cyberattacks targeting Somali journalists, bloggers, public figures, and government officials, primarily through Facebook. These malicious actions, occurring between late October and mid-November 2024, have disrupted over 32 Facebook accounts, including those of media personalities, influencers, and state officials in Somalia and the diaspora.
The attacks involved the deliberate misuse of Meta’s systems to delete Facebook accounts or designate them as "memorialized,” falsely indicating the individuals had passed away. A few accounts have since been restored, but majority including accounts of journalists remain inaccessible.

Our investigation into the nature of these attacks uncovered alarming methods, including the use of forged death certificates to deceive Facebook systems into removing or memorializing accounts. Half of the affected journalists reported that Meta’s support team claimed the platform had received false death reports, allegedly submitted by loved ones.

For example, journalist Mohamed Salh’s page was labeled as a memorial on November 9, 2024, with a message stating: "We hope that people who love Mohamed will find comfort in visiting his profile to remember and celebrate his life.”

Although Mohamed is alive and actively reporting on other platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube, his Facebook account remains inaccessible.

Government officials have also been targeted. The Puntland Ministry of Information confirmed that Facebook accounts associated with the Puntland state presidency and several ministers were taken offline during the attacks, though some have since been restored. Similar incidents were reported in Mogadishu and Jubaland, including the Facebook account of the Jubaland state president.

Other high-profile cases include the deletion of Sahal Cable TV’s page, a local channel based in Bosaso, Puntland, on November 14, 2024, without explanation.

These attacks, which also targeted influencers and journalists, raise grave concerns about online safety and freedom of expression in Somalia, particularly during a time of growing conflict, political disputes over federalization, and the elections in Somaliland this week.

Social media platforms, especially Facebook, play an important role in sharing news and information, connecting citizens, and fostering political dialogue. In Somalia, Facebook remains a vital platform for news dissemination, communication, and connection with the diaspora.

Many high-profile individuals, including those accounts, who are yet to recover, have expressed the feeling, stating that they don’t feel safe on Facebook and considering not to use this meta as their main platform.

This is not the first time Meta’s platforms have been implicated in actions threatening freedom of expression in Somalia. In 2019, Facebook removed 16 accounts belonging to Somali journalists and individuals without providing a full explanation.

The masterminds behind these recent attacks remain unknown. However, we, as Somali independent media organizations, demand an immediate and thorough investigation into the attacks to identify and hold accountable those responsible.

Meta’s must take responsibility in ensuring its platform protects users’ rights to freedom of expression and enhances online safety.

Meta must also put stronger safeguards to prevent misuse of systems, such as memorialization features and the use of Dangerous Organizations and Individuals (DOI) policy that can be weaponized against critical journalists, media institutions, and other individuals.

We call Meta to act swiftly to address these issues and restore trust in its platform.

Signed:
Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS)
Somali Media Women Association (SOMWA)
Media Association of Puntland (MAP)
Somali Media Association (SOMA)