Somali Journalists Syndicate condemns arrest of Journalist in Baidoa

The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) has condemned the arrest of journalist Abdirahman Hassan Mohamed by South West State police in Baidoa, describing the move as an attack on press freedom and independent journalism.

According to a statement issued by SJS, the journalist was arrested on 26 May 2026 after reporting allegations by women traders who claimed that armed individuals identified as federal government soldiers had carried out robberies in parts of the city.

The media rights organization said the “arrest raises concerns about the safety of journalists” working in South West State and reflects what it described as “growing intimidation of media workers operating in an increasingly challenging environment” .

SJS noted that journalists in the region continue to face significant risks while covering issues related to security, governance, and public accountability amid ongoing armed conflict, political tensions, and humanitarian challenges.

The organization called on authorities to immediately respect media freedoms and ensure that journalists can carry out their professional duties without fear of harassment, intimidation, or arbitrary detention.

SJS further urged law enforcement agencies to refrain from using police powers to suppress reporting on matters of public interest, emphasizing the importance of a free and independent press in promoting transparency and accountability.

Authorities in South West State had not publicly commented on the arrest at the time of reporting.

The incident has renewed concerns among media rights advocates about the operating environment for journalists in Somalia, where reporters continue to face security threats and restrictions while covering sensitive issues.

Mustaqbal