Mogadishu, Somalia — Recent developments in Mogadishu reveal a troubling shift in the Somali government’s approach to media freedom.
The creation of a new media council has been met with skepticism and concern from various quarters.
Officially intended as a regulatory body, the council is widely perceived as a mechanism for tightening government control over the press.
Since the controversial council started functioning, there has been a significant increase in government pressure on journalists, critics, and ordinary citizens.
The development aligns with broader patterns of repression observed since President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s return to power in 2022.
The administration’s relationship with the media has since deteriorated significantly.
Since late last year, at least four journalists have been arrested, and numerous media outlets have faced increasing pressure from authorities.
Alinur Salad, a former BBC Somali reporter who also worked strategic communications strategist for the incumbent president’s 2022 presidential election campaign becomes the latest journalist to be arrested.
Arrested four days ago, he remains in a police jail in Mogadishu without facing official charges.
A brief statement from the Somali police cited “fabrication” as the reason for Salad’s arrest.
This environment has led to widespread self-censorship, with many journalists curtailing their reporting to avoid government retribution.
CLIMATE OF FEAR
Across Mogadishu, the common sight of  journalists and cameramen going about their daily work may show little about the troubling trend – but instead may give the impression of business as usual.
But beneath this facade, a darker narrative is unfolding: the struggle for media freedom in Somalia’s capital.
Journalists, once the torchbearers of truth, now navigate an increasingly perilous landscape, fraught with censorship, intimidation, and arrest.
Meanwhile, the establishment of a media council, majority of whom are government employees has drawn widespread criticism. Many see it as a veiled attempt to muzzle the press.
“It’s a tool for control,” said a veteran journalist, who requested anonymity for fear of reprisal.
“We’re being watched, our stories are scrutinized, and the message is clear: fall in line or face the consequences.”
This sentiment echoes throughout Mogadishu’s press corps.
The president’s frequent trips to Eritrea, more than any other nation, have raised eyebrows.
Critics accuse him of emulating Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, notorious for his draconian grip on the media.
Under Mohamud’s administration, at least four journalists have been arrested. Media outlets, once bastions of independent reporting, are now under relentless pressure.
The threat of shutdown looms large, prompting many to practice self-censorship.
“We can’t report freely,” lamented another journalist.
“We have families, we have lives. The stakes are too high.”
The implications of this clampdown extend beyond the media.
Government employees and ordinary citizens alike are feeling the heat.
Public servants have lost their jobs over innocuous social media posts.
Harassment has become a routine part of life for many in Mogadishu.
“Expressing an opinion can cost you everything,” said a former government worker, who was dismissed after criticizing a policy on Facebook.
In the meantime, this atmosphere of fear and control has sparked concern among politicians and MPs.
Some have voiced their alarm over Somalia’s trajectory, fearing the erosion of democratic principles.
“We’re sliding backwards,” said one MP Mustaf Dhuhulow.
“The parallels with Eritrea are troubling. We must safeguard our freedoms, not stifle them.”
As one media expert noted, as journalists  are grappling with these challenges, the role of the media in shaping public discourse becomes ever more critical.
But for them, despite the growing risks, they continue to strive for truth.
“We’re not giving up,” said a determined reporter.
“Our voices matter. Somalia needs a free press now more than ever.”
Yet, the path ahead is fraught with uncertainty.
The government’s stance shows little sign of softening, and the newly minted media council stands as a symbol of the growing repression.
In this climate, the fight for media freedom in Mogadishu is more than a struggle for the press; it’s a battle for the soul of the nation.
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