The Somaliland Journalists Association (SOLJA) strongly refutes a report issued yesterday by the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), based in Mogadishu, which contains false claims about the situation and detention of journalists in Somaliland, while pretending to monitor or represent them. The report alleges that 12 journalists have been arrested in Somaliland. SOLJA considers this report to be based on fabrication, speculation, and false claims—an outright interference that undermines the reputation and facts surrounding Somaliland’s media environment.

According to the official report published on SOLJA’s website (solja.org), the number of journalists arrested between June and January 2025 is 15, which clearly contradicts the data published by NUSOJ. The NUSOJ report reflects the dissemination of unverified and unreliable information driven by political motives. Furthermore, this organization has no operational presence in Somaliland and does not represent the country’s media.

SOLJA firmly calls on NUSOJ to:

• • • Stop speaking on behalf of Somaliland journalists and disseminating false information not grounded in facts.
    • Stay within their jurisdiction and only represent media outlets that are under their authority.
    • Respect the independence of Somaliland’s media and the right of local stakeholders to speak about their own circumstances.

SOLJA is the only legally recognized body representing journalists and media in the Republic of Somaliland. It is the sole source of verified information regarding the media environment and journalists’ concerns in the country.

We once again remind all international stakeholders that accurate information regarding the Somaliland media landscape can only be officially obtained from SOLJA.