Mogadishu, Somalia — The recent establishment of a media council by Somalia’s federal government has ignited a wave of skepticism and concern across the nation, raising alarms about press freedom in one of the world’s most volatile regions.
The council, officially presented as a regulatory body to maintain journalistic standards, is widely viewed by journalists, activists, and international observers as a veiled attempt to increase government control over the media.
Since its inception, there has been a noticeable uptick in governmental pressure on journalists, critics, and even ordinary citizens, leading to fears of a shrinking space for free expression.
“This council is nothing more than a tool for the government to suppress dissenting voices,” said one prominent Somali journalist who has faced multiple threats over his career. He insisted on anonymity for fear of retribution.
“Under the guise of regulation, it seeks to intimidate and silence anyone who dares to speak out against the authorities.”
The formation of the council comes amid broader patterns of repression observed since President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s return to power in 2022.
His administration has been criticized for cracking down on dissenting voices and curbing civil liberties, marking a stark departure from his previous more lenient stance on free speech.
Dr. Mahdi Ahmed, a Horn of Africa analyst, noted that the media council is part of a larger strategy to consolidate power.
“What we’re seeing is a classic move towards authoritarianism. By controlling the media, the government aims to control the narrative, especially in a country where independent journalism is one of the few checks on power.”
The council’s initial actions have only fueled these concerns.
Several prominent journalists have been detained on dubious charges, newsrooms have reported increasing harassment from security forces and secret agents, and there are accounts of media outlets being coerced into self-censorship to avoid government backlash.
One such case involves the recent arrest of Alinur Salad, a former BBC Somali journalist known for his critical reporting on government corruption.
Salad was detained four days on charges of “fabrication,” a move widely condemned by local and international press freedom organizations.
“The arrest of a dedicated journalist like Alinur, who serves the Somali people by reporting on critical issues, is a blatant violation of press freedom and international human rights laws, and an affront to the Somalia Provisional Constitution,” said Abdalle Mumin, the secretary general of the Somali Journalists Syndicate, a press freedom advocacy organization.
Having spent more than five months in prison on questionable charges, Mumin himself had a firsthand experience of the pressure and censorship faced by Somali journalists.
“Salad’# arrest is a clear warning to others,” said Abdullahi Hassan, a veteran Somali journalist, now based in Germany.
“It’s a signal that no one is safe if they dare to challenge the government’s narrative.”
Human rights watchdogs and media groups have also expressed concerns over the council’s impact on media freedom, calling for Somali authorities to respect the rights of journalists and uphold democratic principles.
Despite the growing international pressure, the Somali government has reportedly told media representatives that the council, is necessary to ensure responsible journalism and curb the spread of misinformation.
However, for many on the ground, the reality seems starkly different.
“The atmosphere is tense and fearful,” said Nur.
“We’re constantly looking over our shoulders, unsure of what might happen next. The very essence of journalism is being threatened.”
For now, the newly established media council stands as a symbol of the precarious balance between regulation and repression in a nation striving for stability amid ongoing conflict and political turmoil.
From a legal standpoint, Abdinur Muse, an Expert in Media Law believes that the establishment of such a council should be aimed at promoting ethical journalism and protecting public interest.
“However, the context and manner in which this council has been implemented raise significant red flags. The detention of journalists and the coercion of media outlets suggest that the council’s mandate may be more about control than regulation.” He says.
‘This sets a dangerous precedent where regulatory bodies can be weaponized against free speech, leading to a chilling effect on the press.”
According to one reporter, the council, majority of whom are government employees adds to challenges facing the media in Somalia, a country which is grappling with its complex socio-political landscape.
With that, the future of its media remains uncertain.
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