SOLJA

#SOLJA CONCERNED OVER PROLONGED DETENTION OF TWO JOURNALISTS #Journalist Abdiqani Hussein Abokor (Baylood) has spent 65 days in detention, while Abdirahman Ege has been detained for 11 days. SOLJA calls on the relevant authorities to urgently expedite their cases, ensure their legal #rights are protected, and guarantee access to justice. Journalists’ cases should not be unnecessarily prolonged in detention and must be handled in accordance with the law and fundamental rights. #JournalismIsNotAcrime #SOLJA #PressFreedom #Somaliland

#SOLJA condemns the arrest of #journalist Abdirahman Cige, who was detained today in Hargeisa. Cige is the second journalist arrested within a week, bringing the number of #journalists arrested in #Somaliland this year to 12. SOLJA calls on the authorities to respect press #freedom and journalists’ #rights, and to release him immediately. #SOLJA #PressFreedom #Somaliland

#SOLJA welcomes this important statement from the #UK. Protecting #journalists and ensuring #media freedom are essential to strengthening #Somaliland’s #democratic institutions. Independent #journalism strengthens #democracy but does not weaken it.

#SOLJA is deeply concerned about the repeated arrests of journalists in #Somaliland. Earlier this year, 10 #journalists were arrested, raising serious concerns about press #freedom and freedom of #expression. Most of the arrested journalists were not afforded due #legal process and were reportedly detained without warrants and through coercive measures. Such practices can undermine Somaliland’s #democratic process and the fundamental rights to freedom of expression and #press freedom. SOLJA calls for the protection of press #freedom, as guaranteed by the Constitution of the Republic of #Somaliland and the Somaliland #Press Law. #PressFreedom #Somaliland #SOLJA #Journalists

#SOLJA expresses grave concern over the increasing arrests of journalists in #Somaliland. Today, #journalists Mohamed Abdi Qalinle and Abdilqadir Ismail Foodhaadhi, both working for KF #Media, were arrested in #Hargeisa while covering an Islamic gathering taking place on the outskirts of the city. #SOLJA is concerned about their detention, particularly as #journalist Abdiqani Baylood remains in custody, now on his 29th day of detention. SOLJA calls on the security authorities to immediately release the detained #journalists and respect #press #freedom, as guaranteed by the Constitution of the Republic of #Somaliland.

#SOLJA is deeply concerned by the detention of journalist Hassan Saleban Harun (Gallaydh), who was arrested yesterday in #Gabiley and later transferred to the CID headquarters in #Hargeisa. He was remanded today for six days. His detention reportedly relates to his comments, alongside other journalists, about the continued detention of #journalist Cabdiqani Baylood. Hassan is the 7th journalist detained in #Somaliland this year and the 2nd journalist detained within the past two weeks. SOLJA condemns the repeated detention of #journalists and calls on the authorities to respect press #freedom and release both Hassan Gallaydh and Cabdiqani Baylood. #SOLJA #PressFreedom #Somaliland

The newly elected leadership of #SOLJA officially took office today following a handover ceremony at SOLJA’s HQ. Ahmed Khalid Farhan is the new #Chairperson, while Sagal Beeldeeq Ahmed serves as Deputy Chairperson. Both bring valuable experience from within SOLJA as they begin a new chapter focused on strengthening journalists’ rights, #press #freedom, and the #media sector in #Somaliland. #SOLJA #Somaliland #Media #PressFreedom

#SOLJA is deeply concerned by the continued detention of #journalist Abdiqani Hussein Abokor (Baylood), now entering its 10th day, with his detention extended by an additional six days. SOLJA considers his continued detention unlawful and calls for his immediate #release. If there are allegations against him, due process must be followed in accordance with the law. We urge the authorities to respect press #freedom, journalists’ rights, and the rule of law. #SOLJA #PressFreedom #Somaliland

The new leadership of #SOLJA held its first meeting with the #Minister and Deputy Minister of #Information, Culture & National Guidance. The meeting focused on the state of the #media, challenges facing #journalists, and strengthening cooperation to promote a safer, more #professional and enabling environment for #journalism in #Somaliland. SOLJA also presented its vision for advancing journalists’ skills, #rights and #safety, and the development of the #media sector.

#SOLJA expresses concern over the detention of #journalist Abdiqani Hussein Abokor (Baylood), who was arrested on August 29, 2026 and immediately remanded in custody for seven days, after which he was transferred to #Hargeisa Central Prison. SOLJA calls for due process, fairness, and transparency, and urges the authorities to ensure that legal proceedings are not used to suppress #press #freedom or restrict freedom of #expression. SOLJA has provided the #journalist with legal representation and is closely monitoring his case. #PressFreedom #Somaliland #SOLJA #FreePress

#SOLJA held a media dialogue in Buco focused on raising awareness of climate change impacts, including El Niño, drought, and disaster preparedness. The session brought together #media & local authorities to strengthen coordinated public #awareness and preparedness for DRM. #SOLJA

#SOLJA and #University of #Hargeisa held a productive meeting today to strengthen institutional collaboration between the two Institutions. The discussion focused on enhancing #journalism #education, professional #training, #research, public awareness, and building stronger connections between #academia, #media, and the wider #community. Both sides agreed to expand their partnership and finalize an #MoU that will guide future cooperation in advancing media development, #knowledge sharing, and research #communication. The meeting was attended by SOLJA leadership and the Vice President of the University of Hargeisa.

A Strategy Built Through Consultation: The Process Behind SOLJA's 2026–2030 Strategic Plan

Today, #SOLJA held the #validation #workshop for its 2026–2030 #Strategic Plan, bringing together key stakeholders to review and strengthen its five-year roadmap. This will guide SOLJA's efforts to advance #media #freedom, professional #journalism, and institutional sustainability in Somaliland. #SOLJA #MediaFreedom #Journalism #Somaliland #StrategicPlan

#SOLJA held its quarterly board meeting in #Berbera, reviewing and planning activities to strengthen transparency and effectiveness. Key points: • Reviewed past quarter’s activities & approved upcoming action plan • Called on the House of Representatives of #Somaliland to pass the #Media Law • Urged lifting of media access restrictions in #parliament • Agreed to reform SOLJA’s electoral system through consultations • Marked World #Press #Freedom Day and reaffirmed commitment to press freedom. #SOLJA #PressFreedom #Somaliland

#SOLJA today officially handed over governance and management #policies to #SAHAN TV, #Bulsho TV and #Sky #Cable TV as part of phase two of its efforts to strengthen independent #media through policy development. Each outlet received #Financial Management and Human Resource #Management Policies aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability and institutional governance, another step toward professional, independent and well-governed #media in Somaliland. #SOLJA #MediaDevelopment #Somaliland

@solja_org bids farewell to @shanti_walde after her successful mission in Somaliland. Her visit strengthened our media efforts on public awareness and preventing irregular migration. We look forward to impactful results and continued collaboration. #SOLJA #Somaliland #Migration

Media stakeholders held a fruitful meeting with the Ministry of Information and media organizations to discuss the state of journalism in Somaliland, including concerns over journalist detentions and the need for stronger collaboration. Chairman Shaafici Maxamed Ibraahim emphasized that strengthening legal frameworks is essential to addressing ongoing challenges, while highlighting SOLJA’s role in improving media quality and journalists’ skills. Leaders from WIJA and FIMO reaffirmed their commitment to advancing media development and defending journalists’ rights. Minister Barkhad Batuun reiterated the government’s commitment to press freedom and commended the efforts of media organizations. #SOLJA #Somaliland #Media #PressFreedom