On 2nd July 2026, journalist Suways Jama Mohamud (Suways Ga’ayte) was arrested at her residence in Garowe, Nugal Region, Puntland State of Somalia, by officers of the Puntland Police Forces and transferred to Garowe Central Prison. Following her arrest, the Puntland Public Prosecutor applied to the Garowe Court for an order authorising her detention for 21 days while criminal charges were being prepared. The Court instead granted a seven-day detention order pending investigation. The manner of her arrest and detention raised serious concerns regarding due process, judicial safeguards and the protection of journalists undertaking their professional responsibilities.

NUSOJ’s assessment of the case found that her arrest and subsequent prosecution were linked to her independent reporting on matters of public interest, including governance, accountability and the delivery of public services in Puntland. Following her arrest, NUSOJ engaged with the Puntland authorities on several occasions to establish the legal basis for her detention and to seek her release through dialogue. Despite these efforts, the authorities failed to provide a lawful justification for her arrest or the criminal proceedings initiated against her. The case reflects an increasing pattern of using criminal proceedings against journalists in response to their professional work and raises serious concerns about respect for freedom of expression, media freedom and the ability of journalists to report independently without fear of intimidation or retaliation. After 13 days in custody, Suways Jama was released from detention on 15th July 2026.