Somali Police Assault and Arrest Women Journalists During Mogadishu Protest

March 21, 2026 – Somalia –

Two women journalists were assaulted, briefly detained, and had their equipment confiscated by Somali police while covering a protest in Mogadishu, in an incident that has drawn concern from press freedom advocates and highlighted ongoing risks faced by media workers in the country.

The journalists, identified as Amiro Sulaiman Ibrahim of Kaab TV and Iqro Abdullahi Abdirahman of Five Somali TV, were reporting on a public demonstration when armed police officers intervened. According to reports, officers used force against the journalists, striking them and disrupting their coverage before taking them into custody.

During the incident, the journalists’ cameras and other equipment were seized, preventing them from continuing their work. Witness accounts indicate that the arrests were carried out despite the journalists clearly identifying themselves as members of the press. They were later released without formal charges, though their equipment was reportedly not immediately returned.

The incident has been widely condemned by local media organizations, which described the actions of the police as a violation of press freedom and the right of journalists to report on public events. Advocacy groups emphasized that journalists must be able to cover protests and other developments without interference, intimidation, or violence from authorities.

The case also underscores broader concerns about the treatment of women journalists in Somalia. Reports indicate that female media workers face heightened risks, including physical attacks, harassment, and arbitrary detention, particularly when covering politically sensitive events.

Somalia remains one of the most dangerous environments for journalists, with frequent reports of arrests, assaults, and intimidation by both state and non-state actors. Press freedom groups have repeatedly warned that impunity for such actions contributes to a climate of fear, discouraging independent reporting and limiting public access to information.

The assault and detention of the two journalists in Mogadishu reflect a continuing pattern of pressure on the media, particularly during periods of political tension and public protest. Advocates are calling for accountability and stronger protections to ensure that journalists can carry out their work safely and without obstruction.

As scrutiny grows, the incident highlights the ongoing challenges facing journalists in Somalia, where reporting on the ground often comes with significant personal risk and limited institutional safeguards.

Reference –

https://hornobserver.com/articles/3617/Somali-police-assault-women-journalists-arrest-them-and-confiscate-camera-equipment-in-Mogadishu

Two Women Journalists Briefly Arrested, Equipment Confiscated During Protest in Mogadishu