Human Rights

Somali woman's journey to surviving forced marriage and reclaiming freedom

By - SHUKRI ADAN

World Radio Day 2024: Celebrating the vital role of female radio journalists in Somalia

MOGADISHU – On World Radio Day, the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) acknowledges the remarkable work done by our female network of journalists working in the radio sector in Somalia and keeping the public informed despite the many challenges and threats.

Attacks on dissenting voices signal erosion of free expression in Somaliland

NAIROBI (KAAB TV) – In recent times, Somaliland has witnessed a disturbing trend: an escalation in attacks against those who dare to speak out against the status quo. The freedom of expression, once cherished, is now under threat, exemplified by the detention of Abdirahman Abees, an author critical…

Kenyan cult leader Mackenzie charged with 191 murders

NAIROBI (HORN OBSERVER) – The Kenyan cult leader, Paul Mackenzie, has been formally charged with murder following the disturbing discovery of over 400 bodies buried in a remote forest in the country's eastern region.

Third woman and children rescued amid a rising tide of femicide in Somalia

AFGOOYE (HORN OBSERVER) – In a harrowing incident in the Afgooye district, local residents and security forces thwarted an attempted femicide as a man, armed with petrol and matches, was apprehended while attempting to set his wife and children ablaze on Monday morning, February 5.

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…

Forced evictions in Somalia capital: Angry mobs block roads after police shot dead a man

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) - At least one person has been killed as unrest rocks parts of Somalia capital, Mogadishu, on Saturday over forced evictions.

Defying Darkness: Somali sports journalist's struggle against extremist threat

NAIROBI, Kenya (HORN OBSERVER) - In the tumultuous landscape of Somalia, where the shadows of terror loom large, one journalist stood defiant against the oppressive orders of Al-Shabaab, the Al-Qaeda-linked militant group. Mohamed Abdi Muudey found himself at the forefront of a perilous battle for freedom…

Women in Puntland: Navigating Challenges in Political Participation

GAROWE (KAAB TV) – In the heart of Puntland, Somalia, the resilience and determination of Somali women paint a vivid narrative of their pivotal role in society, echoing through the challenging backdrop of displacement, unemployment, and a prolonged conflict.

SJS condemns attacks on media and journalists; calls for respect for freedom of press

MOGADISHU, Somalia 9 January, 2024 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) strongly condemns the recent surge in attacks targeting critical media institutions and detention of journalists in Hargeysa and Mogadishu.

International Partners applaud successful conclusion of Puntland leadership elections

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) – Somalia's international partners have expressed their satisfaction with the culmination of Puntland's presidential election on 8 January 2024.

AI Technologies: The Double-Edged Sword of Innovation and Media Capture

By - Robert Wanjala -----------------------

Amnesty International: Ousman Sonko must face justice for crimes against humanity

GENEVA, Switzerland (HORN OBSERVER) – Amnesty International has called for accountability ahead of the trial of Ousman Sonko, former Interior Minister of Gambia, before the Federal Criminal Court in Bellinzona, Switzerland.

Gender disparity persists as 66 newly sworn-in Puntland lawmakers include just one woman

GAROWE - Reporting by Kaab TV -----

2023: Misuse of Facebook Community Standards and cyberattacks is how Somalia suppressed critical voices

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) – The manipulation of Facebook Community Standards and the use of DDoS attacks have emerged as a concerning tool employed by Somalia's National Communication Authority (NCA) in collaboration with the national intelligence (NISA) to suppress critical voices among journalists…

Puntland's Electoral Odyssey: From Hopes of Democracy to Clan-Based Selection

GAROWE (KAAB TV) – Inaugurated in 1998 as a beacon of stability amid the ruins of Somalia's military dictatorship, Puntland has emerged as a bastion of relative peace within the tumultuous Somali republic. In stark contrast, neighboring Somaliland had declared its independence from the rest of…

Somali media boycotts president's 'gibberish' talk over deteriorating relations and media freedom

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) – Local media stations in Mogadishu collectively boycotted a public talk delivered by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud at Jazeera Hotel on Wednesday night, where a select group of loyalists and civil servants had gathered.

Somaliland bans local TV debate, citing immorality and anti-culture

HARGEISA (HORN OBSERVER) – The ministry of information in Somaliland has issued a prohibition on a television debate hosted by Universal TV in Hargeisa, citing reasons of "immorality and anti-cultural," according to a statement released on Wednesday and signed by Ali Hassan Mohamed, the Minister…

Silent Suffering: The ordeal of an FGM survivor in Mogadishu

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) – In a dusty corner of Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, 36-year-old Khadro Abdi (not her real name), bears the weight of an unspeakable ordeal endured for over three decades.

Questions surrounding the demise of Somalia's Minister of Women and Human Rights, Khadijo Diriye

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) – On Wednesday, the news of the untimely demise of Somalia's Minister of Women and Human Rights, Khadijo Mohamed Diriye, surfaced on social media.