0
According to EAJA’s local affiliate, National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), heavily- armed security officers today, Friday, raided and shut down both Radio Shabelle and Sky FM, which are owned by Shabelle Media Network, and arrested at least eight journalists, including Shabelle Chairman Abdimalik Yusuf Mohamud.
The two radio stations had reportedly aired news reports on Thursday night about an interview President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud gave to a US-based PBS television. Some government officials accused Radio Shabelle of negatively depicting President Mohamud’s visit in Washington to attend US-Africa leaders’ summit.
"We strongly condemn the raid and shutting down of the two radio stations and the arrests of the journalists. This incident is a clear violation of media freedom and reflects a desire by the government to intimidate the media and journalists, which is unacceptable,” said EAJA Secretary General Alexandre Niyungeko.
He said EAJA stood in solidarity with its local affiliate and the journalists in Somalia in demanding a stop to any acts that violated press freedom and interfered with freedom of expression.
"We call on the government to immediately release the journalists and allow the radio stations to resume operations without any conditions,” Niyungeko added.
Over the last two years, Shabelle Media Network has been targeted by the government over its reporting. In October last year, it was forcefully removed from its premises in Mogadishu and a month later in November, two of its journalists were arrested over alleged rape story.
--
Facebook: Eaja PressTwitter: @EAJAPress
Dutch riot police arrested 24 people on Saturday after a demonstration in The Hague descended into violence, with protesters throwing fireworks and other objects at police officers. Full Article
MOGADISHU — Concerns are growing among Somali intellectuals, civil society organizations, retired military officers, and democracy advocates that Somalia is entering a dangerous period of political instability marked by increasing militarization and shrinking space for democratic participation. The concerns come amid escalating confrontations in Mogadishu and reports of civilian casualties, displacement, and destruction resulting from recent clashes between government forces and opposition-aligned groups. Full Article
MOGADISHU, Somalia – As Somalia approaches planned demonstrations on June 4, concerns continue to grow over the state of human rights, freedom of expression, and civic space in the country. Full Article
MOGADISHU, Somalia — Turkey's growing political, military, and economic influence in Somalia is increasingly drawing attention across the Horn of Africa and Red Sea region as geopolitical competition intensifies between regional and international powers. Full Article
Somalia is facing a deepening humanitarian and political crisis following widespread forced evictions, deadly security operations, and escalating tensions between the federal government and opposition groups. Full Article
MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia's Defense Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi has sparked outrage after issuing strong threats against opposition leaders planning anti-government demonstrations in Mogadishu, warning that security forces would respond forcefully to any protests challenging the federal government. Full Article
The Associated Somali Journalists (ASOJ) has expressed concern over what it describes as growing pressure, intimidation, and suppression targeting independent media and freedom of expression in Somalia. Full Article
MOGADISHU, SOMALIA — Turkey is increasingly emerging as the dominant foreign diplomatic force in Somalia following the failure of political talks previously supported by the United States, the United Kingdom, and international partners, highlighting a major shift in influence inside Somalia's political landscape. Full Article
A Somali woman identified as Farhiya Abdi Mudey, also known as "HaafTurki," has reportedly been arrested in Nairobi under controversial circumstances, with emerging claims suggesting that her detention may be linked to alleged bribery involving Kenyan police officers. Full Article
Security forces in Mogadishu have arrested several young Bajaj drivers who staged protests against rising fuel prices, reflecting growing frustration among Somalia's youth over economic hardship and unemployment. The demonstrations were organized by Bajaj drivers who depend on the three-wheel taxis as their main source of income. Drivers say the increasing cost of fuel has severely reduced their earnings, making it difficult to support themselves and their families. Full Article
NATO declares its readiness to defend allied territory as the European Union targets nearly 1,600 Russian individuals and companies, while fresh attacks on Ukraine raise doubts about Washington's diplomatic efforts.
DUBLIN (Waagacusub.net) — The International Monetary Fund has warned European policymakers that the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence could boost economic productivity while also disrupting labour markets, widening inequality, straining electricity networks and increasing Europe's dependence on foreign technology.
The European Union is dramatically expanding its economic and strategic engagement with Greenland, committing another €200 million as the Arctic island becomes an increasingly important arena of competition over security, critical minerals, infrastructure and geopolitical influence.
MOGADISHU / MINNEAPOLIS — Somali rapper Sharmarke Abdinasir Mohamed, widely known as Sharma Boy, is facing renewed scrutiny following allegations that he used threats, blackmail and sustained pressure to obtain thousands of dollars from a Somali-American woman in the United States.
MOGADISHU — Concerns are growing among Somali intellectuals, civil society organizations, retired military officers, and democracy advocates that Somalia is entering a dangerous period of political instability marked by increasing militarization and shrinking space for democratic participation. The concerns come amid escalating confrontations in Mogadishu and reports of civilian casualties, displacement, and destruction resulting from recent clashes between government forces and opposition-aligned groups.
Former President Joseph Kabila announces a new opposition coalition involving armed groups, raising fears of renewed conflict and threatening fragile peace efforts in eastern Congo. GOMA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO — October 13, 2026 The Democratic Republic of Congo is facing a potentially dangerous political and security confrontation after former President Joseph Kabila announced the creation of a new coalition bringing together political opponents and armed groups, including the powerful M23 rebel movement. Full Article
The Somali-American lawmaker denounces the federal investigation as politically motivated, while authorities confirm a court-authorised search amid growing tensions over immigration, congressional independence and the November elections. Full Article
European Union leaders prepare for high-stakes negotiations on soaring energy prices, a controversial long-term budget, support for Ukraine and Europe's economic future. Full Article
NATO declares its readiness to defend allied territory as the European Union targets nearly 1,600 Russian individuals and companies, while fresh attacks on Ukraine raise doubts about Washington's diplomatic efforts. Full Article
The European Union has expressed concern over reported plans by the United States to temporarily restrict diesel exports, warning that such a move could have economic consequences on both sides of the Atlantic at a time when Europe is already facing elevated energy costs. Full Article
Hormuud's Assault on African Peacekeepers Figure 14: African Peace Keepers Hormuud launched a scorching public campaign against the Kenyan military forces in AMISOM in late August 2019. Full Article
Former Intel official stripped from NISA membership Full Article
PM KHEYRE USELESS AND COSTY OVERSEAS TRIPS. Full Article
Abiy says 'New Year' will be celebrated in Eritrea, Ethiopian Airlines to resume flights Full Article
Massive rise in Islamist militant attacks in Africa Full Article
EAJA CONDEMNS RAID ON RADIO STATTIONS, ARREST OF JOURNALISTS IN SOMALIA
Eastern Africa Journalists Association has today criticized security agencies in Somalia for raiding and closing two radio stations and arresting at least eight journalists.