“Independent journalism, freedom of expression and civic space are signs of confidence and resilience in a democracy,” – British Hargeisa Office
Hargeisa (SLpost)- The United Kingdom has expressed concern over the growing number of journalists arrested in Somaliland, urging authorities to uphold due process and strengthen legal protections for media freedom.
In a statement issued by the British Office Hargeisa, the UK said recent discussions with Somaliland’s Minister of Information and representatives of the media sector had highlighted concerns over the number of journalists detained in the country.
The British Office said more than 50 cases involving the arrest of journalists have been recorded in less than two years, describing the figure as a matter of concern.
“Any arrest should be conducted in line with due process and with proper judicial oversight,” the statement said.
Arrests could undermine Somaliland’s democratic reputation
The UK acknowledged Somaliland’s democratic reputation, but warned that repeated arrests of journalists could undermine that standing.
“Somaliland rightly takes pride in its democratic reputation. But repeated arrests of journalists risk undermining that reputation,” the British Office said.
The statement emphasized the importance of an independent media to democratic governance, arguing that a free press strengthens rather than weakens Somaliland.
“Independent journalism, freedom of expression and civic space are signs of confidence and resilience in a democracy,” it added.
Britain welcomes Media Bill before Parliament
The UK also welcomed the fact that Somaliland’s Media Bill has been brought before Parliament, describing it as an important opportunity to address longstanding challenges within the media sector.
The British Office said the proposed legislation could help establish a more sustainable and independent media environment.
Particular emphasis was placed on the proposed Media Council, with the UK calling for the body to be genuinely impartial and given sufficient authority to resolve disputes independently.
“The proposed Media Council should be genuinely impartial and empowered to independently resolve disputes,” the statement said.
Continued UK support for media freedom
The British Office Hargeisa concluded by reaffirming Britain’s commitment to supporting media freedom in Somaliland.
The statement comes amid continued debate over the worsening relationship between the Somaliland government, journalists and media organizations, as well as discussions surrounding the proposed Media Bill and mechanisms for regulating the sector.
The British Office Hargeisa’s statement also comes as Somaliland journalist Abdiqani Hussein Abokor (Baylood) has spent more than 40 days in detention following his arrest on August 29, 2026.
Baylood, the founder of Heegan TV, was arrested after publishing an interview with poet Ismail Yusuf Abdi (Jiheeye), who raised allegations concerning a land dispute and recited a poem critical of President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro).
His prolonged detention has drawn criticism from local and international press freedom organizations, including the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), which has called for his release.
The case highlights the concerns raised by the United Kingdom over repeated arrests of journalists in Somaliland, with the British Office warning that such practices risk undermining the country’s democratic reputation.
The UK’s intervention places renewed attention on the balance between legitimate regulation of the media and the protection of journalists’ rights, freedom of expression and independent journalism.
