Somalia: CFWIJ and WPF Condemn Intelligence's Interference of Journalists' Training

NISA officers sought confidential information about participants and persisted in their harassment 

Location: Somalia, Mogadishu
Date: January 20, 2024

The Coalition For Women In Journalism and Women Press Freedom stands firmly against the recent actions of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) in Mogadishu. The incident on January 20, 2024, where NISA officers disrupted a crucial training session for women journalists, is deeply troubling and represents a blatant disregard for press freedom and the safety of women in journalism. The training, focusing on human rights, was essential for the professional development of women journalists, who are often underrepresented and face unique challenges in the field. The actions of NISA officers, who sought confidential information about participants and persisted in their harassment despite clear explanations from the Somali Journalist Syndicate and hotel management, are a clear violation of privacy and press freedom. We demand a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident and call for accountability for those responsible for these actions. The safety and freedom of journalists are paramount, and any attempts to undermine these principles must be met with strong and unequivocal condemnation.

On January 20, 2024, during a human rights-focused training session for women journalists, officers from the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) stormed the event at Hotel Sahafi in Mogadishu. Led by officers of the surveillance unit, they insisted on obtaining confidential information on participants. Despite explanations by the Somali Journalist Syndicate (SJS), and hotel management regarding the training's nature and the importance of participant privacy, the NISA officers continued to harass.

 The following day, NISA officers sought an unofficial meeting with the organizers through hotel management, a request that SJS declined. The journalist union successfully relocated the training to an alternative venue, ensuring its continuation in a safe environment.

Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, Secretary-General of the SJS, strongly condemned NISA's actions, expressing dismay at the agency's prioritization of surveilling human rights journalists' training over providing security to the citizens of Mogadishu.

Somali journalists already operate in a perilous environment characterized by corruption and violence, with over 50 media workers killed since 2010, making Somalia the most dangerous country for journalists in Africa. The safety concerns for journalists include harassment, arrest, sexual assault, and murder, with the terrorist group al-Shabaab posing a significant threat. Women journalists face additional challenges, including cultural biases and disparities in pay and training opportunities.

The Coalition for Women in Journalism and Women Press Freedom vehemently condemns the state interference faced by SJS women journalists. The harassment of women journalists in a closed event and the pressure on organizers to provide documentation are unacceptable infringements on press freedom. We call for a thorough investigation into the actions of National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) officers and demand accountability for attempts to undermine journalistic education.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help women career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.

If you have been harassed or abused in any way, and please report the incident by using the following form.