NUSOJ Warns of Deepening Attacks on Media Freedom in Somalia

NUSOJ Warns of Deepening Attacks on Media Freedom in Somalia

The National Union of Somali Journalists NUSOJ has warned that media freedom in Somalia remains under severe and sustained attack.
In its latest State of the Media report, the union said journalists continue to face intimidation, arrests, and violence. It also highlighted a growing culture of impunity. The report describes the situation as systematic and deeply rooted.

Between January and December 2025, NUSOJ documented 72 violations against media freedom.
Out of these, 70 cases targeted individual journalists, while two affected media institutions. One journalist, Mohamed Abukar Mohamed Dabaashe, was killed during the year. The findings point to a dangerous environment for reporting.

Banadir Region at the Center of Violations

The report shows that Banadir Region accounted for more than half of all recorded cases.
This makes it the most dangerous area for journalists in Somalia. Somaliland followed with a significant share of violations. Other regions such as Puntland, Galmudug, Jubaland, and Southwest also recorded incidents.

Violations increased during politically sensitive periods.
May and September saw the highest spikes in attacks. NUSOJ noted a clear link between critical reporting and rising pressure on journalists. This pattern raises concerns about press suppression.

Security Forces and Impunity Concerns

The report identified security forces, especially police units, as the main perpetrators.
The Banadir Regional Police were cited in more than half of all cases. Across the country, law enforcement agencies were repeatedly linked to abuses. However, no accountability measures have been taken.

NUSOJ said this lack of accountability has created a culture of impunity.

Officers responsible for violations have not faced prosecution. This has further weakened trust between journalists and authorities. The situation continues to deteriorate.

Many journalists in Somalia operate under extremely poor working conditions.

Most earn less than $100 per month, while some receive as little as $20 to $50 or no salary at all. The absence of contracts leaves them vulnerable to pressure and influence.

These conditions undermine professional journalism standards.
They also weaken editorial independence. Journalists often face financial insecurity while trying to report on sensitive issues. This limits the quality and safety of reporting.

The report also highlights serious risks faced by women in journalism.

It documented 29 cases of sexual and gender-based violence. More than half occurred inside newsrooms, while others happened online. These abuses are used to silence and intimidate women.

Such conditions discourage women from staying in the profession.
NUSOJ warned that this threatens gender diversity in media. It also limits representation in newsrooms. Protection measures remain urgently needed.

Call for Urgent Reform

The union called for immediate reforms to protect press freedom.
It urged credible investigations into violations and prosecution of offenders. Legal reforms are also needed to strengthen protections for journalists.

NUSOJ also demanded better working conditions and full implementation of the National Action Plan on journalist safety adopted in 2022.
The report concludes that ending impunity is essential. Without it, media freedom and public access to information will continue to deteriorate in Somalia.