Somali women journalists face 96 reported abuses
SOMWA documented arrests, physical attacks, and digital harassment against media workers, particularly women.
The Somali Women in Media (SOMWA) organization reported 96 incidents affecting journalists, including arrests, torture, equipment confiscation, and online attacks. SOMWA presented this report in Mogadishu on November 2, 2026, coinciding with the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists.
SOMWA director Maryam Seylac urged the government to reveal the whereabouts of any arrested journalist within 24 hours and to cease illegal detentions and media equipment seizures. The report noted that while not exclusive to women, the documented abuses show variations requiring clarification, with some data spanning November 2025 to September 2026 and other parts including October.
SOMWA also recorded 79 cases of gender-based harassment, online abuse, or defamation against women journalists since 2023, covering a longer period than the current report. The organization highlighted that female journalists reporting sensitive stories often face personal and reputational attacks that can extend to their families, potentially hindering their return to work.
Why it mattersFemale journalists in Somalia face harassment, defamation, and physical attacks, impacting their ability to report on sensitive issues and their personal lives.