Somaliland police have arrested prominent journalist Hassan Gallaydh during a university graduation ceremony, triggering criticism from opposition figures and renewed concerns over worsening press freedom and the treatment of journalists.
HARGEISA, Somalia (Somali Report) — Police in Somalia's breakaway Somaliland region on Wednesday arrested journalist Hassan Suleiman Harun, widely known as Hassan Gallaydh, during a graduation ceremony at Timacadde University in the town of Gabiley, according to local sources.
Gallaydh, a prominent journalist in Somaliland, was detained over a recent report focusing on everyday social and economic concerns, including rising prices, electricity shortages, healthcare and the performance of the regional administration, according to the sources.
The report also discussed the arrest of fellow journalist Abdiqani Baylood and called for his immediate release.
Gallaydh's arrest has triggered strong criticism from politicians and opposition figures, who accused the authorities of increasing pressure on independent journalists.
Somaliland lawmaker Mohamed Abib condemned the arrest and called for Gallaydh and other detained journalists to be released.
"Arrests of this kind bring nothing but shame and disgrace to governments," Abib said, according to a statement circulated by local media.
He added that the detention was unjustified and urged the authorities to restore the journalists' freedom.
Nimcaan, chairman of the national youth wing of the Kaah political party, also criticised the administration of President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, known as Irro, accusing it of making the detention of independent journalists routine.
"The WADDANI party government has begun its tenure by making the arrest of journalists a habit and has imprisoned the highest number of journalists," Nimcaan said, describing the arrests as unacceptable repression.
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The authorities have not publicly detailed the specific charges against Gallaydh or said how long he will remain in custody.
His detention comes as concerns over press freedom and the treatment of journalists continue to grow in Somaliland and Somalia more broadly.
Somalia is considered one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists, with reporters facing threats from armed groups, political pressure, arbitrary detention and violence while carrying out their work.
Gallaydh is reportedly the 47th journalist to be arrested in months by the Somaliland administration, according to local sources.
Meanwhile, journalist Abdiqani Baylood has remained in detention for about two weeks over an interview he conducted, according to local media reports. Rights groups and journalists have criticised his continued detention and called for his release.
The latest arrests have renewed debate over the space available for independent journalism in Somaliland, where journalists regularly cover sensitive political, security and social issues.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has not secured widespread international recognition. It maintains its own government, security forces and institutions while Mogadishu continues to regard the territory as part of Somalia.
The breakaway region has generally enjoyed greater stability than many parts of southern and central Somalia, but press freedom remains a contentious issue, particularly when journalists report critically on government policies or security matters.
About the Author
Ahmed Omar is a senior journalist for Somali Report, based in Mogadishu. He has two decades of experience reporting on Somalia for international and local media. He covers politics, security, governance, business, trade, economic developments and regional affairs.
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