Somaliland’s ruling party escalates arrests despite previously championing Press Freedom

Press freedom in Somaliland is facing mounting pressure amid growing reports of arbitrary detention, harassment, and imprisonment of journalists. The Somaliland Journalists Association (SOLJA) says more than 25 journalists have been detained across Somaliland in the past nine months alone.

The latest case came today, when Hargeisa-based journalist Abdirahman Jumbo was taken into custody. Details of his arrest have yet come to the public.

Another case that has drawn wide attention is the detention of Abdiaziz Saleban Sulub, widely known as Abdiaziz Awl. He was arrested earlier this month in Burao while on assignment. According to KF Media, who the journalist works for said the order for his arrest came directly from the regional authority.

The Somaliland Journalists Association (SOLJA) condemned the arrest of journalist Abdicasis Awl. SOLJA said, “The Somaliland Journalists Association strongly condemns the arrest carried out today by the Togdheer Regional Police against journalist Abdicasis Awl, who is among the media professionals working in the city of Burao.” The organization added, “It is worth noting that this journalist had previously faced direct threats and intimidation from the Governor of Togdheer, who explicitly warned that he would be arrested, a threat that has now materialized.”

Civil society groups, opposition parties, and international press freedom organizations, including the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), have called for his immediate and unconditional release.

The case is far from isolated. Journalists across Somaliland have reported arbitrary arrests and mistreatment. In Sanaag region, Sabar TV reporters were detained after questioning the Minister of Education during an official visit, later alleging that they were physically assaulted by security officers.

In July, Yasir Ahmed, a journalist based in Hargeisa, was arrested and later alleged that he was physically assaulted while in custody.

Observers say the ruling party’s evolving posture toward press freedom contrasts with its earlier stance. While in opposition, it condemned journalist arrests and defended free expression. Since assuming office, however, it has presided over a steady increase in restrictions.

“What happened to Waddani, or is it that people change once they attain power?” asked Guleid Jama, lawyer and human rights advocate. “They were once victims of these very actions. Now they silence journalists and restrict public meetings, but to what end?”

The government insists it does not support such practices. On September 23, Somaliland’s Minister of Information stated that the administration “opposes the arrest of journalists.” But rights monitors and press groups continue to document dozens of cases in which journalists are held without charge, often for extended periods.

The rising number of arrests highlights a shrinking space for independent journalism in Somaliland, and it sends a clear message to journalists: questioning officials or pursuing sensitive stories increasingly carries the risk of detention.

Somaliland has long projected itself as a democracy committed to the rule of law and political pluralism. Yet its treatment of the press raises doubts about the government’s willingness, or ability, to safeguard fundamental freedoms. The contradiction between official statements rejecting journalist arrests and the persistent detentions on the ground threatens to blur Somaliland’s democratic image.