Mogadishu, Somalia – Former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed has strongly condemned the federal government’s recent crackdown on journalists in Mogadishu, accusing authorities of suppressing freedom of speech and violating human rights following the arrest of seven reporters conducting public interviews.

The detained journalists, affiliated with Shabelle TV, Goobjoog TV, SYL TV, and Somalia Cable TV, were apprehended in the Hodan district during their work. Sharif described the arrests as “deeply reprehensible” and a direct assault on press freedom.

“We strongly condemn the government for detaining journalists who have played a vital role in rebuilding the nation and who risk their lives to report on critical issues affecting society,” Sharif said.

He further criticized the government for being unable to tolerate public opinion despite its stated commitment to holding one-person-one-vote elections.

“I urge the government to end the repression of the Somali people and instead focus on combating Al-Shabaab and addressing the country’s challenges,” Sharif emphasized.

The former president called for the immediate release of the arrested journalists, stressing that free expression and independent media are fundamental pillars for Somalia’s democratic development and peacebuilding efforts.