Press Releases

Outrage Among Journalists: Somali Media Council's Illegitimate Appointments Threaten Press Freedom

The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) was utterly surprised by today's decision of the Council of Ministers, which proposed nine individuals for the Somali Media Council in clear violation of the legal provisions outlined in Article 14 of the amended media law of 2020.

Prominent journalist murdered in central Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia, 14 March 2024 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) condemns the murder of prominent journalist Abdikarin Ahmed Bulhan, who succumbed to gunshot injuries on Thursday, 14 March 2024, in Abudwak city, in the central Somalia region of Galgaduud.

ATMIS female peacekeepers mark International Women's Day with calls for women inclusion in decision making

Mogadishu – On International Women's Day, female peacekeepers serving with the Africa Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) called for a renewed commitment to gender equality and inclusion of women in decision-making forums.

RSF decries expulsion of two British TV journalists from Somalia's Puntland region

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemns the expulsion of a British TV news reporter and his producer from Puntland, an autonomous region in northeastern Somalia, to which they had gone to cover the crisis affecting shipping in the Red Sea.

ATMIS supports public engagement on Somalia's constitutional amendments in Mogadishu

Mogadishu, 23 February 2024 – A public consultation meeting to review the first four chapters of the constitution concluded in Mogadishu with a plea to parliament to adopt a document that reflects the views and aspiration of the Somali people.

Somaliland frees independent TV founder, Puntland blocks and detains Chanel 4 reporters

MOGADISHU, Somalia 20 February 2024 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) is relieved that MM Somali TV founder and journalist Mohamed Abdi Ilig was freed from jail on Sunday after a court in Hargeisa ruled his innocence while we are concerned about the actions of Puntland authorities to detain…

Continued detention of MM Somali TV founder Mohamed Ilig by Somaliland court amidst rising constraints on free expression

MOGADISHU, Somalia 11 February 2024 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) voices its concern over the prolonged arbitrary detention of MM Somali TV founder and journalist, Mohamed Abdi Ilig, in Hargeisa. Today marks his 37th day in custody.

Jubaland Council of Presidential Candidates, Traditional Elders, and Intellectuals held a consultative meeting in Mogadishu, Somalia

On February 6, 2024, a gathering of the Jubaland Council of Presidential Candidates, Traditional Elders and Politicians was held. The conference was convened to tackle pressing matters impacting the region, focusing on pivotal aspects of the political landscape, security, and the imminent elections…

Somaliland should free founder of MM Somali TV; Somalia parliament must give access to all media

MOGADISHU, Somalia 31 January, 2024 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) is deeply troubled by the continued incarceration of Mohamed Abdi Ilig, the founder and journalist of MM Somali TV in Hargeisa, and calls for his immediate and unconditional release. Furthermore, SJS urges a reevaluation…

Despite NISA threats and blockage, SJS successfully completes women journalists training

MOGADISHU, Somalia 23 January 2024 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) condemns the interference, harassment and blocking SJS women journalists' training in Mogadishu on Saturday by the Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), as we demand those responsible to be held accountable…