Puntland intelligence agency releases journalist arrested in Bosaso for critical reporting as media crackdown intensifies

On Monday, 20 July, officers from the Puntland Intelligence and Security Agency (PISA) arrested journalist Shucayb Daad Mohamed at Bosaso Airport, where he had gone to bid farewell to family members who were travelling. Shucayb, who works as head of programs and news reporter at the privately owned Sahal Cable TV in Bosaso, told SJS that PISA officers detained him and held him at the agency's detention facility in central Bosaso for three days. His mobile phones were confiscated and remained in the custody of intelligence officers throughout his detention. During his detention, Shucayb said officers initially held him in a dark room before transferring him to another cell, where he was questioned about his recent reporting. The interrogation focused on his coverage of the closure of markets and disruptions to port operations in Bosaso following protests by the business community against increased tariffs at the port. In a statement issued on Tuesday, 21 July, Sahal Cable TV said Shucayb's arrest was carried out without due legal process and called for his immediate release. He was released on Wednesday, 22 July, after government officials and local journalists advocated for his freedom. However, his mobile phones were not returned until Thursday, 23 July, when he was instructed to collect them from a nearby police station. He was not charged. Shucayb had previously reported on Puntland's security operations against militant groups in the Bari region.       Shucayb is the fourth journalist to be arrested in Puntland within the past four weeks, amid an escalating crackdown on media freedom in the regional state. Two of those journalists—Shucayb Daad Mohamed and Mohamed Jama Mohamud—were arrested in Puntland's main port city of Bosaso, where the closure of the port and markets in recent weeks, along with escalating tensions between security forces and alleged pro-federal government forces, have created a difficult and increasingly hostile reporting environment. The two other journalists, Suways Jama Mohamud and Mohamed Abdinasir Hussein, were arrested in Garowe and Qardho, respectively, although both were released after several days in detention. Journalists in Puntland have told SJS that it has become increasingly difficult to report on the growing tensions between the Puntland authorities and the Federal Government of Somalia. Reporters also say they are increasingly reluctant to report on security-related developments, including the ongoing military operation against extremist groups in the Cal Miskaad Mountains, which has been underway since late 2024, due to fears of arrest or retaliation. While SJS welcomes the release of Shucayb Daad Mohamed, it calls on the Puntland authorities to respect media freedom and allow journalists to carry out their professional duties without intimidation or arbitrary arrest. Both the Puntland Constitution and the Provisional Constitution of the Federal Republic of Somalia (2012) guarantee freedom of expression and the freedom of the media. "Puntland has long been regarded as one of the more open and democratic parts of Somalia, where respect for fundamental freedoms has set it apart. We are therefore deeply concerned by the increasing arrests of journalists reporting on matters of significant public interest, including legitimate concerns raised by the people of Puntland," said SJS Secretary General, Abdalle Mumin. "We remind the Puntland authorities to respect media freedom and stop arresting journalists simply for reporting on events in their communities. An informed public is essential to a functioning democracy, and protecting independent journalism benefits both the government and the people it serves," Mr. Mumin added.