The Somaliland Journalists Association (SOLJA) is deeply concerned about the increasing detention of journalists since the beginning of this year. The SOLJA strongly condemns the arrests of journalists from Sahan TV and Horn Cable TV, who were detained on July 25, 2025.

Journalist Sa’ed Abdirahman Hussein, a reporter for Sahan TV working in the city of Erigavo, was detained on July 25, 2025. Up to now, no formal charges have been brought against him, and he has not been brought before a court.

Similarly, Yasir Abdiladiif and Mohamoud Ali, both from Horn Cable TV, were arrested in Hargeisa on July 25, 2025, after recording a report from the Qoolcaday District, located southern side of Hargeisa. The journalists were held for 14 hours without a court warrant. Although they were later released, all the footage and data they had recorded was deleted. SOLJA strongly condemns the erasure of this data, which is a violation of press freedom and the protection of journalists’ information.

SOLJA’s Call to Action

SOLJA calls for the following:

1. 1. The immediate release of journalist Sa’ed Abdirahman Hussein, if no charges are filed against him.
   2. An end to unlawful detentions and adherence to legal procedures and national laws.
   3. Security agencies must stop interfering with and intimidating journalists carrying out their duties.
   4. Freedom of speech, media, and the protection of data collected by journalists must be respected.

SOLJA will continue to monitor the situation of journalists and is prepared to defend their rights in collaboration with lawyers and human rights organizations.

Issued by:
Somaliland Journalists Association – SOLJA
chairperson@soljaorg.com | www.solja.org