The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) vehemently condemns the arbitrary detention, abduction and vicious attack of independent journalist Dalmar Isseh Ahmed, who was violently assaulted by Puntland security forces in central Somalia on the night of Tuesday, 25 March 2025.

At around 11:30 PM, journalist Dalmar was unexpectedly ambushed at the Uunlaaye Hotel in Galkayo by police officers who were identified as part of the unit defending Colonel Mahamud Abdihakim Yusuf, the Puntland Police Commander of the Mudug regional division, according to eyewitness accounts and confirmed information obtained by NUSOJ. Before Dalmar was brutally beaten and forcibly removed from the scene, several gunshots were fired to frighten journalists and bystanders. Another journalist at the assault was unharmed, but a police bullet got under his clothes. Since his whereabouts are still unknown, his safety and wellbeing are of the highest concern.

Dalmar Isseh Ahmed, a journalist with a reputation for professionalism and impartiality, recently published a news report regarding the issuance of national identification cards by NIRA in Galkayo. The report concentrated on the establishment of NIRA operations on the Galmudug side of Galkayo. Subsequent to this report, he was harassed and threatened by local Puntland officials, including the governor of the Mudug region and senior police officers. They asked that he discontinue reporting on issues related to the federal government and the administration of NIRA operations in the Mudug region, which is jointly administered by Puntland and Galmudug federal member states.

“This egregious act directly threatens the safety and dignity of journalists in addition to being a flagrant breach of press freedom. It was clear that the goal was to use force and terror to silence the media. We demand the immediate and unconditional release of Dalmar Isseh Ahmed and demand full accountability for the individuals who ordered and executed this despicable attack,” said Omar Faruk Osman, Secretary General of NUSOJ.

NUSOJ holds the Puntland authorities fully responsible for Dalmar’s safety and wellbeing. The union calls on the authorities to immediately disclose his location, allow him access to legal and medical support and release him without delay. Those responsible must be identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law, including both the individuals who committed the assault and those who authorised or enabled it.

“Local authorities in Puntland must stop harassing and targeting journalists simply for doing their jobs,” added Omar. “The media professionals should not be used to vent the current political tensions between Puntland and the Federal Government. Journalists must be free to do their jobs without worrying about reprisals.”

This incident is yet another disquieting illustration of the enduring culture of impunity that predators of press freedom and violence against journalists in Somalia enjoy. NUSOJ cautions that these targeted attacks are not only an assault on media freedom but also a direct threat to the public’s right to know and freedom of expression. The lives of those who serve the public through truthful reporting are further endangered by this vile act of repression.

NUSOJ will persist in its support of Somali journalists and will pursue all available avenues, both domestically and internationally, to guarantee that Dalmar Isseh Ahmed is served justice and that those culpable are held accountable.