Somali president should order the immediate, unconditional release of Journalist Alinur Salad detained in Mogadishu

Journalist and CEO of Dawan Media, Alinur Salad. | PHOTO/ Courtesy/ SJS

The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) condemns the detention of the CEO of Dawan Media, Alinur Salad, in Mogadishu on Monday evening, as announced by the police. We call for his immediate and unconditional release.

According to colleagues, Alinur Salad was detained and held at the Waberi Police Station. A statement attributed to the Banadir Regional Police, published on state media, said the police arrested AliNur Salad Hassan, 38 years old, on allegations of “immorality, false reporting, and insulting the armed forces.” It further stated that “the police are investigating him. He will be brought before the competent court.”

Alinur’s detention followed a recent report that made connections between khat (a stimulant plant) consumption by Somali security forces, stating that “after chewing at night, they go to sleep in the morning, giving Al-Shabaab the chance to attack and kill many soldiers.” The one-minute video report, which was published on Dawan TV and Alinur’s personal Facebook page, also questioned how a leader involved in the khat business for profit can claim to be building a national army. The report was widely circulated and was deemed critical of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who was allegedly part of the khat business.

The journalist’s report was removed as of Monday evening, but it had already been widely circulated by social media users.

Journalists at Dawan Media told SJS that they have been receiving threats in the past due to their critical coverage of the government. Dawan Media hosts Dawan TV, a digital television station, and Mogadishu24, which produces a weekly English-language situational report podcast.

Before founding Dawan Media, Alinur Salad served as the director of communications at the office of the Prime Minister of Somalia. He also worked for BBC Somali in Mogadishu.

“I strongly condemn the detention of Alinur Salad, CEO of Dawan Media, and call for his immediate and unconditional freedom. The arrest of a dedicated journalist like Alinur, who serves the Somali people by reporting on critical issues, is a blatant violation of press freedom and international human rights laws, and an affront to the Somalia Provisional Constitution,” said SJS Secretary General, Abdalle Mumin.

“Journalists play an essential role in uncovering the truth, holding those in power accountable, and ensuring that citizens are informed about the realities affecting their lives. Suppressing the media not only undermines these values but also erodes public trust and transparency. We urge president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to order the release of Alinur Salad immediately and ensure that journalists can work without fear of retribution or intimidation for the government leadership -including the president. The media is not the enemy; it is a cornerstone of our democracy,” Mumin added.