The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) is deeply alarmed by the abduction and continued incommunicado detention of journalist Abdihafid Nur Barre, a reporter with Somali Cable Television, a privately owned television network.

According to information received, Abdihafid Nur Barre was abducted last night from a restaurant in the Waberi District of Mogadishu. Sources indicate that he is being held by members of the Somali National Army (SNA). However, his exact place of detention remains unknown and no official charges have been communicated.

The circumstances surrounding his arrest raise serious concerns about due process, transparency and the safety of journalists. NUSOJ has credible reasons to believe that his detention may be linked to his critical reporting. The continued absence of official information from the SNA regarding his whereabouts and the reasons for his detention has created significant anxiety among members of the media community and his family, who fear for his safety and wellbeing.

In the absence of any clear legal basis for this action, NUSOJ strongly condemns the abduction of journalists and any form of arbitrary arrest. Journalists must not be targeted for carrying out their professional duties. The military authorities have a clear obligation to respect media freedom and to ensure that any action taken against a journalist complies fully with national law and international human rights standards.

“This is an outrageous and unlawful act,” said Omar Faruk Osman, Secretary General of NUSOJ. “Abducting a journalist at night from a public place by uniformed SNA personnel and holding him incommunicado is a blatant violation of the Constitution and international human rights law. The continued refusal to disclose his whereabouts or present any lawful charges is unacceptable and deeply alarming. We demand his immediate and unconditional release. The harassment and intimidation of journalists by armed forces must end immediately.”

NUSOJ calls on the Somali National Army to immediately disclose the whereabouts of Abdihafid Nur Barre, clarify the legal basis for his detention and release him without delay. The Union further urges the armed forces to cease targeting journalists and to guarantee his safety, including immediate access to legal representation and family members.

NUSOJ will continue to follow this case closely and stands in full solidarity with Abdihafid Nur Barre, his colleagues at Somali Cable Television and his family.