The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) has strongly condemned the abduction and assault of journalist Shukri Caabi Abdi, who was reportedly forcibly registered in a controversial voter registration process by individuals believed to be affiliated with Somalia’s disputed federal electoral commission.
This incident is not the first press freedom violation for this year which raises concerns of more incidents.
How Was Shukri Caabi Abdi Treated?
The disturbing incident occurred on the morning of Thursday, July 3, as Shukri Caabi Abdi was en route to her workplace in Mogadishu.
Her tuk-tuk taxi was intercepted between Buulo Xuubey and Ceel Qalaw in Wadajir district by armed men identified as agents of Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA).
According to Shukri Caabi Abdi, the men interrogated her about voter registration.
Despite clearly stating she was not registered and had no intention to do so, she was forcibly taken to a nearby school, where she witnessed other civilians being detained and registered against their will.
“They didn’t initially know I was a journalist,” Shukri told SJS.
“But once they saw my ID, they began to harass me, took my phone and journalist ID card—which has still not been returned.”
She was held for several hours, during which her personal data, including her full name and photo, was collected without her consent.
Shukri was later released but unable to report to work that day due to the trauma she experienced.
Growing Pattern of Forced Voter Registration in Somalia
Shukri Caabi Abdi case adds to a troubling pattern of coerced voter registration, press intimidation, and civil rights abuses across Somalia in recent months.
Despite public assurances by the electoral commission chair Abdikarin Ahmed Hassan that registration would be voluntary, numerous incidents have emerged involving security forces coercing civilians—particularly women and youth—into voter rolls.
Other Press Freedom Violations in 2025
- On 12 June 2025, NISA agents raided Himilo Somali TV to remove an interview featuring a youth who claimed he was abducted and registered by force.
- On 5 May, NISA agents raided the home and studio of journalists Bashir Ali Shire and Mohamed Omar Baakaay, who had reported on forced registration in Shibis district.
The raid followed threats from Karaan District Commissioner Farah Adani, who had incited violence against journalists. Adani later apologized after joining the president’s political party. - On 28 May, Turkish-trained Haramcad forces assaulted three journalists covering protests in Kaxda. The journalists were detained, harassed, and nearly shot while reporting on voter exclusion.
- On 26 May, day laborers in Kaxda were allegedly tricked with fake job offers and then forcibly registered. Journalists documenting these events were attacked, and their equipment confiscated.
- Similar abuses were reported throughout June in Bakara Market, Hodan district, and along Industrial Road, where students, teachers, and pedestrians were coerced into registration.
Press Freedom Under Threat in Somalia
These ongoing incidents reflect a wider crackdown on journalists and civic freedoms during Somalia’s contested electoral process.
Independent media houses reporting on forced voter registration are being targeted, harassed, and silenced.
SJS warns that forcibly involving citizens.
Especially journalists—in political processes undermines democratic integrity and violates fundamental rights.
The targeting of women journalists like Shukri Caabi Abdi may also amount to gender-based violence and intimidation.
How Can We Save Somali Press Freedom?
- Immediate investigation and accountability for those involved in Shukri’s abduction.
- Return of her journalist ID and personal belongings.
- Protection for journalists reporting on electoral violations.
- A clear public stance from Somalia’s federal authorities against forced voter registration.
