Mogadishu (HOL) – The National Union of Somali Journalists presented its 2025 State of the Media Report to the National Independent Human Rights Commission (NIHRC) on Monday, documenting widespread violations against journalists and calling for greater accountability.
The report documents 72 verified cases of media freedom violations occurring between January and December 2025, highlighting a pattern of sustained pressure and systemic repression as described by NUSOJ.
Findings indicate that 70 cases targeted individual journalists, while two involved media organizations, underscoring the risks faced by both reporters and institutions. Documented abuses encompass arbitrary arrests, intimidation, physical violence, and restrictions on reporting.
NUSOJ expressed particular concern over impunity, noting that perpetrators, often security actors, are rarely investigated or prosecuted. The report also references the killing of a journalist in 2025 as evidence of the dangers facing media workers.
Violations were documented across the country, with a concentration in Banadir and Hargeisa, indicating the scale of the challenge.
During the meeting, both parties discussed the need for stronger institutional responses and enforcement mechanisms to protect freedom of expression.
NIHRC Chairperson Maryan Qasim stated that the commission would review the findings in accordance with its mandate to promote and protect human rights. She emphasized that media freedom would receive special attention due to recurring attacks on journalists.
NUSOJ Secretary General Omar Faruk Osman noted that the report is based on internationally recognized standards and reflects a clear pattern of violations.
“Journalists in Somalia continue to face serious and repeated abuses, often at the hands of those mandated to protect them,” he stated, calling for thorough investigations and concrete measures to end impunity.
NUSOJ indicated it would continue working closely with the commission to strengthen efforts to safeguard fundamental rights and enhance protections for journalists.