In a deeply concerning development for press freedom in Somalia, journalist Abduqadir Mohamed Nur was abducted from his home in a pre-dawn raid by intelligence agents on Friday. The detention of Nur, also known as “Jakarta”, has been condemned as a brazen attack on the reporter and his news outlet, Risaala Media Corporation, in response to their critical coverage of state security forces.
According to the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS), a press freedom advocacy group, armed men from the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) stormed Nur’s residence at approximately 3am, confiscating his phone and laptop before taking him into custody. The SJS reports that Nur has been transported to a detention facility notorious for the use of torture.
Calls for Independent Investigation and Accountability
Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, the secretary general of SJS, has demanded the immediate release of Nur, decrying the intelligence agency’s actions as a violation of journalists’ rights and the principles of justice. Mumin called for an independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding this “illegal act” and for those responsible to be held accountable.
We demand an independent investigation into the circumstances of this illegal act, holding those responsible accountable for violating the rights of journalists and the principles of justice.
– Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, Secretary General of Somali Journalists Syndicate
Risaala Media Decries “Abduction and Unlawful Actions”
Mohamed Abduwahab, the head of Risaala Media Corporation, has strongly condemned the “abduction and unlawful actions” perpetrated against Nur. The journalist’s detention follows a pattern of harassment and arrests targeting Risaala employees who have reported critically on the security forces under President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration.
Escalating Attacks on Press Freedom in Somalia
Nur’s abduction is the latest in a series of alarming incidents that underscore the deteriorating state of press freedom in Somalia:
- In July, journalist AliNur Salaad was arrested after reporting critically on security forces
- Journalist Ali Mohammed Ahmed (Ali Shujac) disappeared in August after being taken by plainclothes police while conducting interviews
- Said Abdullahi Kulmiye was detained in July for exposing corruption at checkpoints
- Sharma’arke Abdi Mahdi and Abdinur Hayi Hashi were shot at by police in Dhobley in May
These incidents paint a grim picture of the risks faced by Somali journalists who dare to report on sensitive issues or criticize those in power. Somalia currently ranks a dismal 145th out of 180 countries on the World Press Freedom Index, reflecting the immense challenges and dangers confronting media professionals in the country.
Proposed Information Law Threatens to Further Stifle Reporting
In addition to the physical threats and arbitrary detention of journalists, press freedom groups have expressed grave concerns over a proposed information law being pushed by the government. While authorities claim the legislation is intended to curb leaks and ensure source confidentiality, campaigners argue it would severely restrict journalists’ ability to investigate and report on matters of public interest.
This [law] could easily be misused to shield government activities from scrutiny, eroding the fundamental right to information and enabling potential abuses of power.
– Letter from regional and international press freedom organizations
As the Somali government faces mounting criticism over its treatment of journalists and attempts to limit press freedoms, the international community must remain vigilant and apply pressure to ensure the protection of these fundamental rights. The abduction of Abduqadir Mohamed Nur serves as a chilling reminder of the risks faced by those who dare to speak truth to power and highlights the urgent need for solidarity and support for courageous journalists like him around the world.
The future of Somali democracy and the public’s right to information hang in the balance as the nation grapples with this latest assault on press freedom. The world is watching, and the Somali government must act swiftly to release Nur and demonstrate its commitment to upholding the rights and safety of journalists. Failure to do so will only further erode trust in the country’s institutions and deepen the crisis facing its beleaguered media landscape.
