The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) strongly condemns the arrest of independent journalist Mohamed Jama Mohamud by officials of the Puntland Intelligence Service (PISA) in Bosaso, Bari Region, Puntland State of Somalia, describing the incident as part of a continuing pattern of organised efforts to intimidate independent journalists in Puntland.
According to information gathered by NUSOJ, Mohamed Jama Mohamud was arrested at approximately 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, and taken to the PISA headquarters in Bosaso, where he remains in detention. Efforts by NUSOJ to obtain information about the reasons for his arrest and detention have been unsuccessful, as PISA officials have declined to provide any explanation. The authorities have treated the matter with complete secrecy and continue to hold the journalist incommunicado.
Mohamed Jama Mohamud is an independent journalist known for his coverage of public affairs and current developments in Bosaso and across Puntland. Information obtained by NUSOJ indicates that his arrest followed his reporting on protests by Bosaso traders, who suspended their business activities in opposition to additional taxes imposed on goods imported through the Port of Bosaso.
The arrest comes while journalist Suweys Jama Mohamud (Suweys Ga’ayte) remains in detention at Garowe Central Prison, where she has now spent fourteen days in custody and continues to face prosecution over her journalistic work under provisions of the Somali Penal Code unrelated to media legislation. The continued detention and prosecution of journalists over their professional work raise serious concerns about the deteriorating state of press freedom and the ability of journalists to report freely on matters of public interest.
“The arrest of Mohamed Jama Mohamud, coming while Suweys Jama Mohamud (Suweys Ga’ayte) remains behind bars, sends a deeply worrying message to journalists across the country. Journalists have a professional responsibility to report on matters of public interest, even when their reporting is uncomfortable for those in positions of power, and should never face arrest or detention for carrying out that duty. Freedom of expression and media freedom are fundamental pillars of democratic governance, transparency and accountability.
“We call on the Puntland authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Mohamed Jama Mohamud and to end the prosecution of Suweys Ga’ayte. Journalists must be able to carry out their professional responsibilities freely and independently without fear of arrest, intimidation or retaliation,” said Omar Faruk Osman, NUSOJ Secretary General.
The arrest of Mohamed Jama Mohamud further deepens concerns over the deteriorating environment for press freedom in Puntland, where journalists continue to face arbitrary arrests, intimidation and criminal proceedings linked to their professional work.
NUSOJ urges the Puntland authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Mohamed Jama Mohamud, discontinue the prosecution of Suweys Ga’ayte and uphold their constitutional and international obligations to protect freedom of expression and ensure that journalists are able to carry out their professional responsibilities without interference, intimidation or fear of reprisals.