On 17 April 2024, independent journalist Hussein Abdulle Mohamed was arrested and held overnight by Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) at the Godka Jilicow detention centre in Mogadishu. His arrest followed the publication of a series of detailed and critical reports on his Facebook-based channel, SYL Somali TV, which highlighted internal issues within the agency.

According to sources, Hussein met with senior NISA officials shortly before his detention. His arrest appears to be a direct response to his recent investigative journalism, which has drawn public attention to sensitive matters involving the intelligence services.

This incident raises serious concerns about the treatment of journalists in Somalia. Detaining a journalist for doing his job undermines press freedom and threatens the country’s efforts to build a democratic and open society. The case of Hussein Abdulle Mohamed is a reminder of the urgent need to protect journalists and uphold their right to report without fear.