Press Freedom

Detention of Somali-British journalist Busharo Ali Mohamed faces further delays amidst growing concerns

HARGEISA (HORN OBSERVER) - Somali-British journalist Busharo Ali Mohamed's detention saga continues as her 15th court appearance was abruptly postponed in Hargeisa.

Somali journalists facing grave threats seek refuge abroad

NAIROBI, Kenya (HORN OBSERVER / KAAB TV) –

Somaliland president's son implicated in persecution of jailed journalist; unveiling a disturbing web of power

Hargeisa (Horn Observer) Somaliland lawmaker Ahmed Khalif has pointed fingers at Mohamed Muse Bihi, the elder son of Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi, for his alleged involvement in the arbitrary detention and persecution of journalist Busharo Ali Mohamed.

Somalia: SJS formally joins IPI

MOGADISHU, Somalia, 28 July 2023 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) takes immense pride in announcing its official membership to the esteemed International Press Institute (IPI), a global network comprising editors, media executives, and distinguished journalists. This momentous occasion further…

British female journalist held in detention in Somaliland, Justice Abroad calls for an end to her persecution

LONDON (HORN OBSERVER) – In a concerning case that highlights the challenges faced by journalists in Somaliland, Justice Abroad's Director, Michael Polak, is taking action on behalf of Busharo Ali Mohamed (known as Busharo Baanday), a British journalist who was arrested, tortured, and detained…

Trial for a British-Somali female journalist adjourned in Somaliland

HARGEISA (HORN OBSERVER) – The hearing in the case against journalist Busharo Ali Mohamed (known as Bushaaro Baanday) was postponed by the Hargeisa court on Sunday, marking her eighth appearance before the Marodi Jeeh Court, according to the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS).

Revealed: Officials at Ministry of Information implicated in fraud, embezzlement of public funds

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) – The Office of the Attorney General of Somalia announced on 22 June that it has filed a case against two officials from the Ministry of Information and a senior military officer at the Banadir Regional Court.

Somaliland AG should drop charges and unconditionally free journalist Busharo detained in Hargeisa

MOGADISHU, Somalia 21 June 2023 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) calls on the Somaliland Office of Attorney General to immediately drop the unfounded charges and unconditionally release female journalist Busharo Ali Mohamed detained in Hargeisa.

Somalia: SJS calls for end to suppression and detention of journalists and demands release of imprisoned journalists

MOGADISHU – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) calls for an end to the continuous suppression of journalists by federal and regional authorities, including Somaliland, and urges for the immediate release of all imprisoned journalists. We also call upon the authorities in Mogadishu and Jubbaland…

Safety and Empowerment: Journalists in Somalia flourish with support from Canada

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) – Despite Somalia being one of the most perilous countries for journalists in Africa, Galkayo city was once known as the second deadliest place for media professionals in the country. But now this central Somalia city has emerged as a beacon of progress, witnessing a growing…

No neutral reporting, Jubbaland authorities tell journalists amid UNSOM funded conference

KISMAYO (HORN OBSERVER) – Journalists and media rights defenders were taken aback when authorities in Kismayo, Jubbaland, announced a ban on independent coverage of the ongoing conflict between government forces and al-Shabaab in the region.

Somali Police detains 2 TV journalists in Mogadishu

Mogadishu, Somalia (Horn Observer) Somalia police in Mogadishu on Thursday morning detained two Somali Journalists working for the Five Somali TV, a local TV, while on duty, the latest in a series of violations against the press in Somalia.

Somalia: Journalists face intimidation and threats of prosecution for reporting allegations of corruption and injustices in Mogadishu

MOGADISHU, Somalia 25 May 2023 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) strongly condemns a recent surge in attacks including threats, intimidation, and even misuse of the prosecutor's office against journalists who have been courageously reporting on allegations of corruption, injustices, and…

Somaliland detains critical female journalist, SJS calls for her unconditional freedom - statement

MOGADISHU, Somalia 18 May 2023 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) condemns the arbitrary detention of female journalist, Busharo Ali Mohamed, who is held at Hargeisa police station since Monday 15 May 2023 as we call for her immediate and unconditional freedom.

Hargeisa court remands female journalist in custody for seven more days

Hargeisa (Horn Observer) A court in Hargeisa, Somaliland, on Wednesday remanded female Somali-British journalist, Busharo Ali Mohamed (popularly known as Bushaaro Baanday) in custody for another seven days, according to colleagues and opposition members who visited her in the police custody.

Nigerian justice minister misrepresents CPJ research on attacks on journalists

New York, April 28, 2023—Nigerian authorities should revise recent statements falsely characterizing CPJ's research on the press freedom situation in the country, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Friday.

Attacks and threats against journalists and media stations in Somalia continue with impunity

MOGADISHU, Somalia 17 April, 2023 – Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) is alarmed by the continued and endless attacks and other threats against journalists and media stations in Somalia as the perpetrators of these attacks continue their crimes with total impunity. SJS is calling for the Somalia…

SJS: After threats and persecution of SJS SG Abdalle Mumin, it is vital to reinforce accountability to end human rights violations in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia – Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) welcomes that the secretary general Abdalle Ahmed Mumin re-gained his freedom after 166 days of routine detentions, harassment, intimidation, persecution and other threats on his life due to his work as the leader of the journalists union and…

CPJ: Ethiopian authorities detain journalists Getenet Ashagre and Aragaw Sisay

Nairobi, Kenya - —Ethiopian authorities should immediately release journalists Getenet Ahagre and Aragaw Sisay, and stop detaining members of the press, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Monday.

Ethiopian authorities detain Gurage Media Network founder Beyene Wolde

Nairobi, Kenya —Ethiopian authorities should immediately release journalist Beyene Wolde and ensure that members of the press are not imprisoned for their work, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Wednesday.