MOGADISHU, Somalia — July 4, 2026 — Journalists in Mogadishu have strongly condemned the arrest and detention of two reporters, Mascuud Warsame and Suweys Gaceyte, in Mogadishu and Garowe, calling for their immediate release and raising concerns over press freedom and the treatment of media workers in Somalia.
Journalists speaking at a press conference in Mogadishu said the detention of the two reporters amounts to unlawful arrests and urged authorities to disclose their whereabouts without delay.
According to media representatives, journalist Mascuud Warsame has been held for nearly a week, with uncertainty surrounding his exact location. They called on federal authorities to clarify his situation and ensure due legal process is followed.
They also said journalist Suweys Gaceyte is being held in Garowe under what they described as procedures that do not comply with legal standards. These claims have not been independently verified.
Speaking during the press briefing, journalist and media director Hanad Ali Guuleed said journalists would continue to push for accountability and transparency from authorities.
“We demand the immediate release of Mascuud Warsame and Suweys Gaceyte. They are not criminals, and journalism is not a crime,” Hanad Ali Guuleed said.
Calls for Government Action
Media representatives urged both federal and regional authorities to respect constitutional protections for journalists and ensure proper legal procedures in any detention cases.
They also called on the federal government, which they referred to as a “caretaker administration,” to publicly explain the circumstances surrounding Mascuud Warsame’s arrest.
No formal response has been issued by federal authorities or Puntland officials regarding the allegations raised by journalists at the time of reporting.
Journalists in Somalia have repeatedly raised concerns over arrests, intimidation, and legal challenges linked to their reporting activities.
Media organizations say journalists often face detention under suspicion of security-related accusations, though legal processes and transparency are frequently disputed.
The Puntland Media Association (MAP) has previously issued statements calling for adherence to due process and protection of journalists under national and international media freedom standards.
Media organizations are expected to continue pressing authorities for clarity on the detention cases.
Human rights defenders and press freedom groups may also increase advocacy efforts calling for the release of the journalists.
The situation remains unresolved, with no confirmed charges or formal legal updates released by authorities.
The detention of journalists raises renewed concerns over press freedom conditions in Somalia, where media workers often operate under security pressure.
If the arrests are not accompanied by clear legal procedures, they could deepen mistrust between media institutions and security agencies.
The situation may also affect the willingness of journalists to report on politically sensitive issues, particularly in conflict-prone regions.
