MOGADISHU, Somalia — Journalists and media stakeholders across East Africa have strongly condemned the detention of two Somali journalists in Mogadishu’s Dayniile District, raising fresh concerns over press freedom in the country.
The two female reporters, Amiira Salaabeen of Kaab TV and Iqro Abdullaahi of FIVE TV, were reportedly arrested on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, while carrying out their professional duties in Dayniile.
The Safe Reporters of Somalia (SRS) has raised alarm over what it describes as a deteriorating working environment for journalists in the Somali capital, citing a rise in arrests, intimidation, and restrictions targeting media practitioners.
In a statement, SRS spokesperson Hanad Ali Guled condemned the arrests, terming them unlawful and without any legal justification.
“There is no legal basis that permits the detention of journalists for carrying out their professional duties. The continued detention of these two women is unlawful. They must be released immediately and unconditionally,” he said.
The media rights organization warned that the ongoing crackdown on journalists could have far-reaching consequences, including damaging Somalia’s international reputation and weakening public trust in institutions.
SRS further emphasized that suppressing the media undermines citizens’ fundamental right to access accurate, timely, and independent information. The body urged Somali authorities to uphold press freedom and ensure the safety and protection of journalists operating in the country.
The incident adds to growing concern among media stakeholders over shrinking civic space in Somalia, particularly in Mogadishu, where journalists have increasingly reported harassment, arbitrary detention, and interference while performing their duties.
Media organizations across the region are now calling for the immediate and unconditional release of the two journalists, alongside broader reforms to safeguard press freedom in Somalia.
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