Since late 2017, media freedom in Somalia has been suppressed by the Federal Government of Somalia’s security forces and officials, authorities in regional states and by the armed group Al-Shabaab. This report documents allegations of threats, harassment and intimidation of the media. In addition, it documents new techniques employed by the authorities to bribe media outlets to engage in self-censorship and through online harassment, intimidation and social media manipulation. The report calls on the government to respect, protect, promote and fulfil the right to freedom of expression, and media freedom before, during and after the elections expected in 2021.
Index Number: AFR 52/1442/2020