Somalia’s Enduring Shadow of Repression
Gunfire crackled through the dusty streets of Mogadishu on a fateful night in March 2025, silencing the voice of one of Somalia’s bravest journalists. Ahmed Abdi, a 35-year-old reporter for the independent outlet Radio Shabelle, lay lifeless on the ground, a victim of Somalia’s relentless campaign against a free press. His murder was a stark reminder of the perils faced by journalists in a country where the right to freedom of expression hangs precariously in the balance.
According to the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), a total of 72 media freedom violations were documented between 1 January and 31 December 2025, including the tragic loss of life of Ahmed Abdi. The NUSOJ’s flagship State of the Media Report paints a dire picture of a media environment under sustained attack, where journalists and news media organisations are routinely targeted and those responsible act with total impunity. The report’s findings highlight the systemic nature of repression in Somalia, where the government, extremist groups, and other actors all play a role in suppressing the voices of the people.
The scale of media freedom violations in Somalia is staggering. In addition to Ahmed Abdi’s murder, the report documents 71 other incidents, including physical attacks on journalists, detention and harassment of media workers, and the closure of news outlets. The vast majority of these incidents remain unpunished, with perpetrators acting with reckless abandon, convinced that they can silence the press with impunity. This is not just a matter of individual journalists or news outlets; it is a collective failure of the Somali state to uphold its responsibilities to protect the fundamental rights of its citizens.
Somalia’s complex history has contributed to the current state of affairs. The country has been beset by conflict, instability, and terrorism for decades, creating an environment where the rule of law is often ignored. The Somali government, struggling to assert its authority, has at times employed coercive tactics to silence critics and maintain control. Meanwhile, extremist groups such as Al-Shabaab have consistently targeted journalists, viewing them as threats to their ideology. The international community has also played a role, with some foreign governments and institutions providing support to Somali media outlets while overlooking the systemic issues that underpin media repression.
However, the story of Somalia’s media landscape is not one of uniform despair. Despite the challenges, Somali journalists and media outlets continue to push the boundaries of what is possible. From the bravado of Radio Shabelle’s Ahmed Abdi to the dogged reporting of journalists from the likes of Garowe Online and Bar-Kulan, Somalis are finding ways to tell their stories, to hold those in power accountable, and to demand a better future for their country. International partners can learn from these efforts, recognising that true support for Somalia’s media sector must be based on a deep understanding of the country’s unique context and a commitment to addressing the systemic issues that underpin media repression.
Reactions to the NUSOJ’s report have been swift and varied. Somali government officials have dismissed the findings, accusing the NUSOJ of exaggerating the scale of media freedom violations. However, many Somalis and international observers see the report as a stark reminder of the need for real action to protect journalists and the media. The United Nations and other international partners have pledged support for the NUSOJ and other Somali media outlets, recognising the critical role that a free press plays in promoting stability and development in Somalia.
As Somalia embarks on a new chapter in its journey towards stability and democracy, the media sector will play a crucial role in shaping the country’s future. The NUSOJ’s State of the Media Report serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that lie ahead, but also highlights the resilience and determination of Somali journalists and media outlets. As the international community looks to support Somalia’s development, it must do so in a way that prioritises the protection of media freedom and the rights of journalists to do their work without fear of repression or violence.