FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE!!

Mogadishu, Somalia – May 7, 2026 — The Somali Women Journalists Rights Association (SOWJRA) condemns the recent detention, assault, and intimidation of five journalists by security forces of the Federal Government of Somalia in Mogadishu.
Among those detained are two women journalists, including Shukri Caabi, who was assaulted before being taken into custody. The whereabouts of Rowda Hassan Taakilo remain unknown, raising serious concerns about her safety.

SOWJRA urges the FGS to:

1. Immediately and unconditionally release all detained journalists;
2. Disclose Rowda Hassan Taakilo’s location;
   Investigate the assault on Shukri Caabi;
3. Respect press freedom and journalist safety.

We call on authorities and partners to protect journalists and uphold democratic rights.