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The report presents far-reaching narrative on attacks on freedom of expression, such as numerous arrests of journalists by the Federal Government & regional authorities, enactment of federal media law that curbs media freedom & journalists’ rights while giving the Ministry of Information more controlling powers including appointment of cherry-picked members of media council, the provisions of counter-terrorism law that threaten freedom of expression and the excessive & repeated use of the National Intelligence & Security Agency (NISA). "The conclusions of the report should be accepted and its recommendations implemented in good faith to respect and guarantee media freedom. Specifically, the Federal Government who claims to be at the vanguard of human rights in our country should give good example to the regional administrations of Puntland, Somaliland, Jubaland and ISWA, even if they do not agree with the conclusions of this report,” said Omar Faruk Osman, NUSOJ Secretary General. The union has long argued that the media law passed on 28 December 2015 by the Federal Parliament and ascended into law on 9 January 2016 by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has articles and clauses that curb media freedom, and fails to be in line with the international standards and norms of freedom of expression. The media law outlaws 99% of current working journalists since they do not possess university degree in journalism as required by the law. The media council, envisaged in this media law, lacks independence and credible to promote highest professional standards, media accountability, mediate complaints raised by the public against the media and regulate the media. NUSOJ protested against the composition of the media council which is dominated by government media managers and allied associates of media owners who were selected on clan-basis as presented by the Minister of Information to the Council of Ministers. The union believes that its current composition, the media council will be a tool used to justify oppression of media outlets and journalists, and will not lend any support to free, responsible and effective media in Somalia. Shamefully the Ministry of Information tries in its response to this report to emasculate the union widely known position on the media council composition and the law. The union had repeatedly protested and documented attacks on journalists and media outlets by the security authorities, including the judiciary harassment of media professionals who ended up to censor themselves in fear of repercussions. "The government should go beyond current state of denial, manipulation of facts and blaming the victim journalists for causing their own victimization. Suppression and intimidation are incompatible with the fundamental right under Article 18 Provisional Constitution of Somalia and Article 19 of ICCPR on the right to receive and impart information and to freedom of expression,” declared Osman. The report concludes: "The Government should revise and withdraw laws and practices that currently restrict and endanger the right to freedom of expression, and any measures that restrict the freedom of expression must be based on validly enacted law, subject to external and independent oversight, and be necessary and proportionate to achieving security objectives”. Since the overall duty-bearer responsibility sits with the Federal Government, some of the important recommendations addressed to it are: |
The First Grade Court of Mudug Region in Gaalkacyo has issued an order mandating the immediate court appearance of two defendants: Hodan Maxamud Diiriye (34) and Cabdicaasiis Nuur Xaashi Calas (65). Both individuals are accused in a case filed by complainant Marxuumad Saabiriin Saylaan Cabdille Wees & DPL and her family. Full Article
Somalia is heading toward one of its most consequential political tests as the 2026 mandate cycle draws closer, with rising disputes over who has the constitutional authority to run elections — the Federal Government in Mogadishu or the Federal Member States (FMS). Hidden beneath technical legal debates are deep power struggles that may determine the future of Somalia's federal system. The decisions taken in the next months will shape not only how elections are run, but who controls political legitimacy and state power in the coming decade. Full Article
As Galmudug prepares for a decisive state leadership contest, Liban Ahmed has emerged as a powerful consensus candidate with broad support from influential community and political blocs across the region. His candidacy is gaining momentum among Galmudug's 11 clans, many of whom describe his rise as the result of consultation rather than confrontation. Community elders, youth groups, women's organisations, and local political actors in several districts say Liban represents a stabilizing choice at a politically sensitive moment. Many describe him as a neutral figure capable of balancing competing interests in a landscape where political alliances often shift rapidly. Full Article
Mogadishu – Former Somali President and opposition leader Sharif Sheikh Ahmed has strongly condemned the arrest of Nabadoon Cabdirisaaq Nuur Xalane, who was detained today in the Somali capital after speaking out on land-grabs in Mogadishu. Full Article
Washington – U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the immediate cancellation of deportation protections for Somali nationals living in the state of Minnesota, sending shockwaves through one of the largest Somali diaspora communities in the world. In a strongly worded post shared online, President Trump stated: "Somali gangs are terrorizing the people of that great State, and BILLIONS of Dollars are missing. Send them back to where they came from. It's OVER!" The message has triggered widespread fear among Somali immigrants and families in Minnesota, many of whom have lived in the United States for decades and built stable communities. Full Article
Mogadishu – The Cabinet of the Federal Government of Somalia has today approved a historic bill banning female genital mutilation (FGM), marking a major step toward protecting the rights and dignity of women and girls across the country. The proposed legislation criminalizes all forms of FGM and introduces penalties for those involved in conducting or facilitating the practice. Government officials emphasized that the bill is part of a wider national effort to eliminate gender-based violence and uphold human rights. Full Article
The Government of the United Kingdom has issued new guidance to its citizens regarding travel to Somalia, stating that British passport holders are now required to obtain an Electronic Visa (E-Visa) prior to traveling to Mogadishu or any other part of Somalia. According to the advisory, E-Visas are mandatory for all travelers heading to Mogadishu, and even those transiting through or traveling to Hargeisa may be asked to present an entry visa at departure points. Full Article
Hobyo, Galmudug The long-anticipated construction of Hobyo Port has officially commenced, marking a major step forward for trade, investment, and maritime infrastructure in Galmudug State and Somalia at large. The project is being executed by a prominent Turkish construction company, whose team of experienced engineers has arrived in Hobyo to oversee and lead the implementation of the port development. Full Article
Hobyo, Mudug The Minister of Commerce of the Galmudug State Government, Abdi Jama Keyse, arrived today in the coastal city of Hobyo, Mudug region. His visit is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen trade and economic development in the region, particularly around the strategic Hobyo Port. Full Article
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – In a move highlighting Ethiopia's growing focus on Gulf partnerships, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has appointed Ambassador Jamal Bakar, a senior diplomat from the Somali Regional State, as the country's new Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Full Article
Washington – U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the immediate cancellation of deportation protections for Somali nationals living in the state of Minnesota, sending shockwaves through one of the largest Somali diaspora communities in the world. In a strongly worded post shared online, President Trump stated: "Somali gangs are terrorizing the people of that great State, and BILLIONS of Dollars are missing. Send them back to where they came from. It's OVER!" The message has triggered widespread fear among Somali immigrants and families in Minnesota, many of whom have lived in the United States for decades and built stable communities.
By Dahir Abdulle Alasow – Investigative Sports Journalist Amsterdam – 18 November 2025 =The Dutch national football team is celebrating a historic achievement after officially qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a dominant 4–0 victory over Lithuania in Amsterdam on Monday night.
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – In a move highlighting Ethiopia's growing focus on Gulf partnerships, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has appointed Ambassador Jamal Bakar, a senior diplomat from the Somali Regional State, as the country's new Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
By Dahir Alasow – Investigative Journalist, Waagacusub Media Mogadishu | Waagacusub.net | November 2025 A new political alliance is taking shape in Somalia as nine influential political figures — drawn from different parties, civic movements, and government backgrounds — have united under one banner known as the Union for National Dignity (Midowga Haybad Qaran). The coalition, announced through a joint press statement in Mogadishu, aims to create a unified political front capable of "restoring national cohesion, governance integrity, and public confidence in Somalia's democracy."
Tensions, celebrations, and disappointment have swept across Somali social media circles following the fiercely contested Minneapolis mayoral election, where the race took on deep clan and community undertones among the city's large Somali diaspora.
The First Grade Court of Mudug Region in Gaalkacyo has issued an order mandating the immediate court appearance of two defendants: Hodan Maxamud Diiriye (34) and Cabdicaasiis Nuur Xaashi Calas (65). Both individuals are accused in a case filed by complainant Marxuumad Saabiriin Saylaan Cabdille Wees & DPL and her family. Full Article
Somalia is heading toward one of its most consequential political tests as the 2026 mandate cycle draws closer, with rising disputes over who has the constitutional authority to run elections — the Federal Government in Mogadishu or the Federal Member States (FMS). Hidden beneath technical legal debates are deep power struggles that may determine the future of Somalia's federal system. The decisions taken in the next months will shape not only how elections are run, but who controls political legitimacy and state power in the coming decade. Full Article
As Galmudug prepares for a decisive state leadership contest, Liban Ahmed has emerged as a powerful consensus candidate with broad support from influential community and political blocs across the region. His candidacy is gaining momentum among Galmudug's 11 clans, many of whom describe his rise as the result of consultation rather than confrontation. Community elders, youth groups, women's organisations, and local political actors in several districts say Liban represents a stabilizing choice at a politically sensitive moment. Many describe him as a neutral figure capable of balancing competing interests in a landscape where political alliances often shift rapidly. Full Article
Mogadishu – Former Somali President and opposition leader Sharif Sheikh Ahmed has strongly condemned the arrest of Nabadoon Cabdirisaaq Nuur Xalane, who was detained today in the Somali capital after speaking out on land-grabs in Mogadishu. Full Article
Washington – U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the immediate cancellation of deportation protections for Somali nationals living in the state of Minnesota, sending shockwaves through one of the largest Somali diaspora communities in the world. In a strongly worded post shared online, President Trump stated: "Somali gangs are terrorizing the people of that great State, and BILLIONS of Dollars are missing. Send them back to where they came from. It's OVER!" The message has triggered widespread fear among Somali immigrants and families in Minnesota, many of whom have lived in the United States for decades and built stable communities. Full Article
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NUSOJ urges Somali Government to respect media freedom and implement UN recommendations
The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) today called on the Federal Government of Somalia to accept and implement without delay the conclusions and recommendations of the UN report on freedom of expression situation in Somalia.