* Category includes ratification, accession, or succession to the treaty

Under the 2012 Provisional Constitution, Article 16 guaranteed the right to organize and participate in meetings and peaceful demonstrations without prior authorization, while Article 38 permitted limitations on fundamental rights only where justified by law and consistent with constitutional principles. These guarantees provided a constitutional foundation for civil society activity, notwithstanding the absence of an explicit reference to NGOs. The new constitution, adopted in March 2026, establishes a formal separation of powers and requires senior officials to declare assets. It also provides for fundamental rights, including freedoms of association, expression, and assembly, although the extent to which the specific protections of the 2012 Provisional Constitution have been retained or modified requires confirmation against the final adopted text. Implementation of constitutional protections remains uneven.

In Somaliland, Article 23(3) of the Constitution guarantees freedom of association: “All citizens shall have the right to form, in accordance with the law, political, educational, cultural, social, and occupational or employee associations.” However, Article 23(4) prohibits associations whose objectives are contrary to national interests, as well as secret, military, armed, or otherwise unlawful associations.

Puntland forms part of Somalia’s federal constitutional framework but maintains its own Constitution, which similarly protects freedom of opinion, freedom of association, and freedom of the press. Article 28(2) prohibits political parties and associations whose objectives are contrary to national interests or that fail to comply with the law. Puntland’s rejection of the March 2026 federal constitution has further complicated the relationship between its regional constitutional framework and the newly adopted federal provisions.

Almost all of the constitutions of the regional states in Somalia, such as Jubaland, Southwest, Galmudug, Hirshabelle as well as Puntland and Somaliland, have similar protections for the right to form political parties and associations and the freedoms of expression and assembly.

The national Constitution and all state constitutions have also recognized and protected the freedoms of expression and of the media. Under Article 18 of the national constitution, for example:

• Every person has the right to have and express their opinions and to receive and impart their opinion, information and ideas in any way. 
• Freedom of expression includes freedom of speech, and freedom of the media, including all forms of electronic and web-based media.
• Every person has the right to freely express their artistic creativity, knowledge, and information gathered through research.

Article 32 of the Somaliland constitution states:

• Every citizen shall have the freedom, in accordance with the law, to express his opinions orally, visually, artistically or in writing or in any other way.

Article 25 of the Puntland constitution states:

• Every person shall have the right to display free expression of his/her opinion. 
• The person can freely express his/her opinion in oral, press, writing, media, audio-visual, literature and other methods according to the law without any interference.

The constitutional limitations under the federal and all regional state constitutions are similar. As noted above, under Article 38 of the national constitution:

• The rights set out in this Chapter may be limited by law, provided that the law is not targeted at any particular individuals or groups. 
• A right may be limited by law, or by specific exceptions in this Chapter, only if that limitation is demonstrably reasonable and justified according to the values underlying this Constitution.

Under Article 25(4) of the Somaliland constitution:

• The freedoms of the person shall not override the laws protecting the public morals, the security of the country or the rights of other individuals.

Under Article 32(3) of the Puntland constitution:

• All forms of personal liberty shall be in conformity with the Islamic Sharia, Law, moral dignity, national stability or the personal rights of the others.

In April 2023, the Somali government appointed five members to the Commission for the Review and Implementation of the Transitional Constitution. This is a significant step forward in the process of finalizing the country’s Constitution, which has been in an interim state for many years. The Commission will be responsible for reviewing the current constitution and making recommendations for its finalization. It will also be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the finalized Constitution.

In May 27, 2023, the Somalia National Consultative Committee (NCC), which consists of the president, prime minister, deputy prime minister, presidents of federal member states, and the governor of Mogadishu, agreed to a new proposal that would establish a new electoral model and affect the constitution. However, one of the federal member states declined to participate in the NCC meetings and criticized the constitutionality of the agreement. As a result, the Parliament of Somalia and the Ministry of Interior began the process of legalizing the NCC agreement, which will require amendments to the Constitution and the enactment of a new electoral legal framework.

Generally, all national legislation in Somalia before 1991 is still applicable and effective nationwide, with the exception of oppressive laws imposed by the previous military regime, which were repealed. There is also legislation passed since 2012, when the country officially adopted federalism under the Garowe (II) Principles of February 15–17, 2012. These principles were approved by six signatories and are enforceable only in South Somalia; Somaliland and Puntland have adopted separate legislation for their own governance.

The list of legislation and regulations affecting civil society and civic freedoms is classified below, with updates reflecting recent changes:

South Somalia (Somali Federal Government)

• Civil Code Law No: 37 of 1973
• Draft NGO law (as of 2018)
• Federal tax legislation
• Public Order Law No. 21/1963
• Somali Police Law No. 2/1972
• Somali Labour Law No. 5/1980
• Somalia Media Law 2007
• National Human Rights Commission Law, 2016

Somaliland

• Civil Code Law No: 37 of 1973
• NGO Law No. 43/2010
• By Laws For The Completion and Clarification of the NGO Law No. 43/2010
• Code of conduct for the NGOs
• Inland Revenue Law No. 72/2016
• Public Order and Security Law No. 51/2012
• Somaliland Police Law (amended in 2018)
• Labour Law No. 31/2004
• Press Law No. 27/2004
• National Human Rights Commission Law No. 39/2010
• Legal professionals Law No. 30/2004 (amended in 2013)

Puntland

• Civil Code Law No: 37 of 1973
• Law No. 3/2016
• Income Tax Legislation (Lr. No. 5) (Direct Tax law)
• Public Order Law No. 21/1963
• Somali Police Law No. 2/1972
• Puntland Labour Code No. 65
• Puntland Media Law (as of 2016)
• Office of Human Rights Defender Law No. 11/2011

Federal NGO Bill (South Somalia)

The Federal Government has not yet enacted a comprehensive law regulating CSOs. A collaborative drafting process began in 2018, with input from the Somalia NGO Consortium. In December 2019, the Cabinet approved the NGO Bill, but Parliament has not enacted it. Civil society organizations have since advocated for its adoption. In late January 2026, the Ministry of Interior committed to sharing the latest draft with civil society for consultation and accelerating the legislative process. However, no further parliamentary consideration or public consultations were reported during the third quarter of 2026.

The bill’s prospects remain uncertain amid broader political divisions following the adoption of the new constitution in March 2026 and its rejection by Puntland and Jubaland. Jurisdictional disputes between the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Planning over responsibility for NGO oversight have also contributed to delays. Ongoing political instability and insecurity have further complicated prospects for its adoption.

The latest available draft contains the following provisions:

• Defines an NGO as “an autonomous, independent body or association of persons, or any institution established for a public benefit or purpose; and the income and property of which is not distributable to its members or office-bearers except as reasonable compensation for services rendered” (Article 2).
• Recognizes only two categories of NGOs: international and local.
• Assigns the Federal Ministry of Planning responsibility for registering, regulating, and overseeing NGOs through registrars-general or registrars in South Somalia and regional states.
• Establishes registration requirements, including submission of the organization’s constitution, names of founders and office-bearers, proof of payment of registration fees, and a name-search form (Article 10).

The above list is not exhaustive. If you are aware of other pending legislative initiatives not included here, please contact asia@icnl.org.

Somalia still lacks a unified federal law establishing formal legal forms for civil society organizations, forcing NGOs to register under multiple, inconsistent systems across jurisdictions. This fragmentation creates legal uncertainty, increases administrative costs, and complicates compliance for organizations operating across regions.

At the federal level, NGOs based in Mogadishu register with the Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation, but this does not automatically confer recognition in all federal member states.

In Somaliland, NGO Law No. 43/2010 distinguishes between local and international NGOs, with oversight and registration conducted by the Ministry of Planning and National Development (MoPND), which also maintains an electronic register of organizations and international staff.

Puntland follows Law No. 3/2016, which separates local and international organizations and requires annual renewal with the Ministry of Planning.

Galmudug uses its own standardized “Registration Form,” often requiring extensive supporting documentation, including proof of donor funding and criminal clearances, before approval.

Jubaland and South West State operate online registration systems under the Ministry of Planning and Ministry of Interior for the South West State, which provides digital forms and submission pathways not yet available in all states.

The newly created federal state “North Eastern” and Hirshabelle currently do not maintain online registration portals, instead requiring NGOs to engage directly with state administrations and ministries for physical registration processes.

In some districts, such as Galkayo (which spans areas within Puntland), authorities have attempted to impose separate district- level registration requirements independent of the state system, further complicating compliance for NGOs operating there. The long‑pending federal NGO Bill, which would harmonize classification into local and international NGOs and establish the federal Ministry of Planning as the central authority, remains stalled. Its future is uncertain, particularly after the March 2026 constitutional process and subsequent rejection by Puntland and Jubaland, which has deepened governmental fragmentation and made national legislation harder to advance.

There is no formal, nationally recognized “public benefit” or “charitable” status for NGOs in Somalia. Tax exemptions are granted on an ad‑hoc basis, often negotiated individually with the Ministry of Finance or tied to specific donor‑funded projects. This lack of a clear status creates financial uncertainty for CSOs and complicates long‑term planning.

In Somaliland, the Inland Revenue Law No. 72/2016 does not provide a general exemption for NGOs; instead, exemptions must be requested on a case‑by‑case basis. Puntland’s Income Tax Legislation (Lr. No. 5) similarly lacks a standing charitable exemption. The pending federal Income Tax Bill would, if passed, create a framework for exempting charitable and not‑for‑profit organizations, but it has not yet been enacted.

The absence of a standardized public benefit status also affects donor confidence, as international funders often require proof of tax‑exempt status for compliance with their own regulations.

CSOs in Somalia remain key actors in service delivery, humanitarian coordination, and limited advocacy, but formal participation in lawmaking or national policy processes is weak and inconsistent. Umbrella bodies, such as the Somalia NGO Consortium, continue to facilitate coordination between CSOs, government actors, and international donors. Allied platforms such as the NGO Advisory Board and sector‑specific networks provide additional opportunities for collaboration and joint planning. However, strategic engagement with government institutions is sporadic and often dependent on personal or institutional relationships rather than structured mechanisms.

At the regional level, the ratification of the revised Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Treaty in January 2026 is a positive development for civil society engagement, as IGAD has launched initiatives such as the IGAD Civil Society Organisations’ Forum for Peace, which creates a space for CSOs from member states, including Somalia, to engage on peace-building, conflict prevention, and regional policy dialogues.

Despite these regional gains, national engagement remains limited. The federal NGO Bill, which the Ministry of Interior pledged in early 2026 to circulate for consultation, remains stalled, leaving Somalia without a coherent legal framework governing CSO participation at the national level. The adoption of the new constitution in March 2026 was also criticized for lacking inclusive consultation, particularly with federal member states that subsequently rejected it, limiting opportunities for CSOs to influence the constitutional process. Political engagement has also increasingly focused on resolving the constitutional and electoral crisis, including the Somali Future Council’s September 20, 2026 appeal for renewed mediation by the United Nations, African Union, and IGAD. These developments underscore the continued weakness of domestic consultation mechanisms and growing reliance on international mediation to resolve political disputes.

Formation of an NGO in Somalia involves navigating multiple, often duplicative, registration systems. An organization that wishes to operate in more than one federal member state typically must register separately with each jurisdiction, incurring additional fees, paperwork, and delays.

Documentation requirements are onerous. Galmudug’s registration checklist, for example, requires:

1. A profile of the organization (vision, mission, structure);
2. A one‑year activity plan with itemized budget;
3. Proof of funds secured from a donor not resident in Galmudug;
4. Criminal clearance for founders and board members;
5. A letter of intent with the relevant line ministry;
6. Proof of an owned or leased office in Galmudug;

For International NGOs, a registration certificate from the country of origin, CVs of international staff with criminal clearance, and justification for international staff are required.

Fees are imposed at multiple levels, with Somaliland charging $110 for initial registration and $60 annually for renewal and Puntland charging $200 initial and $100 annual. Fees in Galmudug and South-West State are not publicly specified but must be paid as shown on the registration forms.

The absence of a federal law means that officials have broad discretion to deny registration on security or political grounds. In practice, organizations perceived as critical of the government or operating in sensitive areas face additional scrutiny or outright rejection.

In June 2026, the Somalia Data Protection Authority (DPA) ordered mandatory registration for all organizations handling personal data under Article 32 of the Data Protection Act (Law No. 005 of 2023). This adds a new compliance requirement for NGOs processing personal data, with non-compliance risking regulatory action.

NGO operations in Somalia are limited by insecurity and fragmented legal frameworks. In high-risk areas, paid police or security escorts are often required, increasing costs and restricting access.

NGOs registered at the federal level in Mogadishu may need separate registration or permits to operate in other states, including Galmudug, Puntland, and Somaliland. In Somaliland, project approval depends on alignment with “national priorities,” a vague criterion that allows discretionary decisions.

Financial operations are constrained by laws in Somaliland and Puntland restricting NGO resources for undefined “commercial activities,” limiting legitimate cost-recovery or income-generating initiatives.

Operational risks increased in South West State when federal forces repelled armed attacks on Baidoa on August 17 and September 3, 2026 by fighters loyal to former regional leader Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen. This resulted in dozens of casualties and complicated humanitarian access, staff movement, and the delivery of assistance in an area already experiencing severe humanitarian needs and concerns over worsening malnutrition and food insecurity.

Access to resources is constrained by the absence of a unified registration and tax- exempt system. International donors typically require a formal registration certificate, but NGOs may hold multiple certificates from different authorities, complicating due diligence. The lack of a public benefit status means that NGOs cannot easily demonstrate eligibility for tax exemptions, which are instead granted on a case-by-case basis.

Donor funding is also affected by the security environment. The presence of al-Shabab and other armed groups restricts access to populations and increases the cost of delivering aid. Some donors have reduced their presence or shifted to remote management, limiting the resources available to local CSOs.

Freedom of expression remains severely restricted. In 2025, Somalia was a top detainer of journalists, with at least 46 media workers arrested in the first four months of the year alone. The government has repeatedly banned reporting on security threats, and authorities have detained journalists covering sensitive topics such as military operations, political opposition, and corruption.

In early 2026, these patterns continued. Journalists and social media users were arrested for content critical of government officials, and media outlets faced threats of closure. The federal government has not taken steps to repeal or reform restrictive media laws, including the 2007 Media Law in South Somalia and the 2004 Press Law in Somaliland. In addition, on May 6, 2026, five journalists were arrested while covering forced evictions in Mogadishu. Two days later, counterterrorism police and officers from the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) reportedly arrested and beat Guardian reporter Mohamed Bulbul and two colleagues. The International Press Institute (IPI) expressed deep concern over escalating attacks on journalists and called on the international community to increase pressure on Somali authorities to protect press freedom.

Human rights defenders also face harassment. Those who speak out on issues such as electoral integrity, constitutional processes, or security forces’ conduct risk arbitrary detention, surveillance, and intimidation. The climate of impunity for attacks on journalists and activists remains a major barrier to civic expression.

Restrictions on freedom of expression intensified in late 2026. For example,

• On August 28, 2026, poet Ismail Yusuf Abdi was arrested after participating in an interview in which he criticized President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro) over forced evictions in Hargeisa. Journalist Abdiqani Hussein Abokor, who conducted and published the interview for Heegan TV, was arrested the following day. Both were reportedly detained beyond the seven-day legal custody period without formal charges. Their lawyer indicated that authorities intended to pursue charges relating to insulting the president and disseminating anti-state propaganda.
• On September 9, 2026 journalist Hassan Saleban Harun of Gallaydh TV was also arrested while covering a university ceremony, reportedly in connection with remarks made during a journalists’ protest.
• In a significant judicial development, the Banadir appeals court reportedly overturned activist Sadia Moalim Ali’s conviction on August 12, 2026, finding insufficient evidence that she had defamed or insulted police officers, and ordered her release. However, an Amnesty International campaign published during the same month continued to describe her as detained, leaving her subsequent custody status unclear.

These incidents occurred against a broader pattern of impunity for abuses against journalists. An August 6, 2026 report by the Organization for Prisoners Rights and the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) documented more than 200 arbitrary arrests or detentions of journalists nationwide since 2019 and reported that no security officers had been prosecuted in connection with these incidents. The report also disclosed that SJS’s bank accounts had been frozen by court order, illustrating how restrictions on media freedom can extend beyond individual journalists to their professional organizations.

The right to peaceful assembly is formally guaranteed in the constitution but is heavily restricted in practice. Both the federal Public Order Law No. 21/1963 and Somaliland’s Public Order and Security Law No. 51/2012 require organizers to notify the district commissioner at least three days in advance of any public gathering. Vague language in these laws gives law enforcement broad discretion to deny permits or disperse assemblies.

The right to peaceful assembly has been severely tested during Somalia’s political crisis in 2026. Notably, protests related to the adoption of the new constitution were forcibly dispersed in Mogadishu and Galkayo; authorities used security concerns to justify the use of force against demonstrators. In Somaliland, opposition political rallies are routinely banned, and permits are frequently denied to groups perceived as critical of the government. On June 4, heavy fighting erupted in Mogadishu between government forces and militias aligned with opposition leaders ahead of the latter’s planned anti-government demonstrations over President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s term extension. The violence affected multiple neighborhoods, caused civilians to flee, and effectively prevented the planned protests from taking place. The government blamed opposition-linked militias for the unrest, while opposition figures accused security forces of using excessive force and targeting their residences.

The Public Order Law in Somalia is written in English, making it largely inaccessible to Somali‑speaking citizens, and its provisions on protest dispersal, suspension of assemblies, and contingency arrest powers are vaguely drafted. This lack of clarity invites arbitrary enforcement and leaves organizers uncertain of their legal rights.

Civil society in Somalia has long played an active role in public life, mobilizing communities, building awareness, advocating for policy reform, and providing essential services. During the civil wars, aid agencies relied on NGOs to deliver relief to remote areas. Under the Siad Barre regime (1969- 1991), civil liberties were abolished, but civic space re- emerged after the government’s collapse. With widespread devastation and weak state institutions, voluntary groups stepped in to provide education, health, and other critical services, while later, youth, women, and people with disabilities organized to defend their rights.

Today, professional associations, community and clan committees, policy think tanks, relief organizations, and foundations operate across Somalia.

Interest groups such as business associations have also shaped politics. Since the late 2010s, new policy institutes and think tanks have leveraged digital platforms to reach broader audiences, contributing to policy dialogue as the country’s political situation has stabilized.

Regional Differences

State-building progress has been uneven, and insecurity continues to shape civic space. In South Somalia, human rights defenders and activists face threats from both state and non-state actors, including terrorist groups. Somaliland and Puntland, by contrast, have experienced greater stability, though political repression has risen in recent years, marked by arrests of writers, poets, activists, and journalists on charges of undermining stability.

The transition from a unitary to a federal system has created legal fragmentation. NGOs often face multiple registration processes with different requirements across federal member states, and disputes between the federal government and member states have periodically disrupted operations (e.g., restrictions on flights to Kismayo during the 2019 Jubaland election dispute).

Constitutional and Legal Background

Somalia’s legal landscape combines legislation inherited from the pre-1991 unitary state with newer laws adopted since the introduction of federalism in 2012. The country operated under the 2012 Provisional Constitution until March 2026, when the Federal Government and Parliament formally adopted a new constitution intended to replace it. However, the constitutional process remained contested. Puntland and Jubaland rejected the new constitution, citing inadequate consultation and procedural concerns. Somaliland, which maintains its own constitution and claims independence from Somalia, also operates under a separate legal and institutional framework. These competing arrangements have contributed to legal uncertainty for civil society organizations operating across different jurisdictions.

The constitutional crisis deepened following the extension of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s term from four to five years under the new constitutional arrangements. Relations between the federal government and several regional and opposition leaders deteriorated, with Puntland announcing that it would no longer recognize the legitimacy of the federal president and Parliament until a consensus-based government was established. Political tensions escalated further on June 4, 2026, when armed clashes between government forces and opposition-aligned militias disrupted a planned opposition demonstration in Mogadishu.

The crisis remained unresolved during the third quarter of 2026. Armed confrontation intensified in South West State, where federal forces reportedly repelled attacks on Baidoa on August 17 and September 3 by fighters loyal to former regional leader Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen. On September 20, the opposition Somali Future Council renewed appeals to the United Nations, African Union, and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to facilitate dialogue following months of unsuccessful mediation efforts. These developments underscored the continuing absence of an agreed electoral and constitutional settlement and the resulting uncertainty surrounding federal authority.

Despite successive constitutional reforms, Somalia has yet to establish a comprehensive and consistently implemented federal legal framework governing civil society organizations. Registration and oversight continue to vary across federal member states, while the proposed federal NGO law remains stalled. This fragmentation complicates compliance and creates uncertainty for organizations operating across different jurisdictions.

Somaliland arrests two journalists and a poet in two weeks over criticism of President Abdirahman Irro (September 2026)
The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) called on Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro to release two journalists and a poet arrested following criticism of his administration. Journalist Abdiqani Hussein Abokor, founder of Heegan TV, was arrested on August 29 after publishing an interview with poet Ismail Yusuf Abdi concerning the alleged forced eviction of his family from their home in Hargeisa. Journalist Hassan Saleban Harun was subsequently arrested on September 9. SJS condemned the detentions as restrictions on freedom of expression and press freedom.

Civilians must be protected and safe access to hospitals ensured amid escalating violence in Baidoa (September 2026)
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) warned that escalating violence in Baidoa, South West State, was severely affecting civilians and access to essential healthcare. Fighting on September 28, the third outbreak of violence since August 17, reportedly damaged a health facility, killed a healthcare worker, and resulted in the looting of an ambulance. Medical teams at Bay Regional Hospital received 69 patients affected by the latest fighting, while blocked roads prevented many wounded civilians from reaching medical facilities. MSF urged all parties to protect civilians, healthcare workers, and humanitarian infrastructure.

Somaliland journalist detained without charge after interviewing poet (September 2026)
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) called for the release of journalist Abdiqani Hussein Abokor, also known as Baylood, who had been detained without charge in Somaliland since August 29. His arrest followed an interview with poet Ismail Yusuf Abdi, who criticized President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi over an alleged illegal seizure of land. CPJ expressed concern over the detention and described it as part of a broader pattern of arrests of journalists in Somaliland under questionable circumstances.

Banadir regional appeals court releases Sadia Bajaaj after 122 days in custody (August 2026)
The Banadir Regional Court of Appeal overturned a three-year prison sentence against social media activist Sadia Moalim Ali, widely known as Sadia Bajaaj, and ordered her release after 122 days in detention. The court determined that the original conviction lacked sufficient legal grounds, while one of her defense lawyers confirmed her release. Sadia’s arrest and conviction had attracted criticism from opposition figures, human rights organizations, and members of the public concerned about freedom of expression and judicial protections.

Outrage as woman jailed for three years after criticizing Somali government online (June 2026)
A rickshaw driver in Somalia has been sentenced to three years in prison for comments she made on social media, in a case that has caught the public’s attention and provoked outrage in the country. Sadia Moalim Ali, a 27-year-old nursing graduate, was originally charged with insulting government institutions and incitement to commit a crime, but convicted only of the former. Her sentence, immediately condemned as “fundamentally unjust”, was handed down on June 25. She had made critical comments on Facebook and TikTok about the federal government of Somalia, speaking out about the youth unemployment and high fuel prices gripping the country, as well as against alleged corruption, nepotism and forced evictions.

Mogadishu authorities approve opposition protest and designate three venues (March 2026)
Authorities in Somalia’s capital have approved an opposition-led demonstration planned for June 4, while assigning three designated venues for the gathering and urging participants to maintain peace. In a statement read to the media, Banadir regional administration spokesman Salah Hassan Omar said that Mogadishu Mayor and Banadir Governor Hassan Mohamed Hussein Muungaab had authorized the protest in accordance with constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression and assembly.

Somalia president signs new constitution into law (March 2026)
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has signed the country’s new constitution into law to help create a legal framework to strengthen governance and enhance political stability. The revised document, which ends years of provisional governance, is the most important pillar for reinforcing national unity and institutionalizing a governance system, said Mohamud, who signed the new charter Sunday evening in Mogadishu, the capital. “Today concludes the extensive process of revising Somalia’s Federal Constitution, which has been provisional for some time and recently ratified by the Federal Parliament,” he said, according to a statement issued by the presidency. Somalia’s parliament approved the long-awaited new constitution on March 4, ending a process that spanned more than 13 years.

Authorities must secure accountability for attacks on journalists by security forces (March 2026)
The IPI global network strongly condemns the killing this week of Somali journalist Abshir Khalif Shidane – the latest incident of violence against the press carried out by Somali security forces, which also includes the detention and reported torture of another journalist. Somali authorities must conduct thorough and independent investigations that lead to accountability in these and all other attacks on journalists. In a separate incident, Somali Cable TV journalist Abdihafid Nur Barre was detained by Somali National Army officers in Mogadishu on February 24. Barre’s detention is believed to be linked to a publication on the dismissal of four commanders of the Gorgor Forces who objected to orders to reduce the allowances of injured or sick officers.

Somali Civil Society SONSA Monthly Bulletin (January 2026)
Members of Somali civil society, led by the Somalia Non-State Actors (SONSA) Chairperson Osman Moallim, met with the Director General of the Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation (MoIFAR) in late January to discuss the long-awaited NGO Bill. SONSA representatives highlighted that delays have been caused by unresolved institutional responsibilities between the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Planning. The Director General committed to sharing the latest draft with civil society for review and to accelerating the legislative process. Both parties agreed to develop a Framework Cooperation Agreement between MoIFAR and Somali Civil Society.

Aid Cut Strains Government and Civil Society in Somalia (April 2025)
In the wake of recent U.S. aid cuts, Puntland officials and civil society groups have begun discussions on how to bridge the funding gap and invest in local solutions, particularly in the health sector. The Puntland Ministry of Health hosted the region’s largest-ever conference on health investment in Garowe, the state capital, bringing together government leaders, entrepreneurs, and civil society representatives on 21-22 April. The two-day gathering also included participation from the deputy president, ministers, parliamentarians, medical professionals, and experts from both local and international communities. “This is an important meeting. Our discussions focused on how Puntland can become more self-sufficient,” said Daud Mohamed Omar, Puntland’s Minister of Planning.

U.S. Calls for Dialogue On Controversial Somali Media and Information Bills (August 2024)
U.S. Ambassador to Somalia, Richard H. Riley, has called for the Somali government to engage in good faith dialogue with journalists’ unions and civil society to resolve concerns over the controversial Somalia Media Council and proposed Official Information Bill. The Ambassador’s remarks come amid growing criticism from various groups, including the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), regarding the potential impact of the proposed legislation on media freedom and access to information. Riley encouraged the Somali government to work closely with civil society to find mutually acceptable solutions to the issues raised by the media and civil society organizations. “The United States stands firmly in support of a free and professional media and the principle that government and civil society should always engage in good faith to peacefully resolve differences of opinion,” said Ambassador Riley.

“The Work of Women’s Rights Groups is Vital in Changing the Perceived Role of Women in Society” (April 2024)
The brutal killing of a pregnant woman who was burned alive by her husband, alongside two other femicides that took place in the first week of February, sparked protests in Mogadishu, Somalia’s capital. These cases were not exceptional – Somalia has a very high femicide rate – but their extreme brutality deeply shocked and outraged the public. In taking to the streets, people in Somalia became part of a wider regional trend of protests in reaction to brutal femicides. Protesters demanded justice for victims and survivors, recognition of and respect for women’s rights and the end of a variety of forms of gender-based violence (GBV) that can escalate all the way to femicide.

ATMIS Trains Public Officers on Human Rights in Jubaland State (September 2023)
Twenty-one officers from Jubaland Federal Member State ministries and CSOs have completed a five-day training of trainer’s course on human rights and civilian protection in the port city of Kismayo. The course is part of a series of training organized by the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to equip Federal Member States and CSO officials with the necessary knowledge on how to protect and promote human rights in their respective regions.

The Arbitrary Detention of Bushaaro Ali Mohammed (May 2023)
The Human Rights Centre condemns the arbitrary detention of Bushaaro Ali Mohammed, a freelancer who has worked for many media houses in Somaliland. Bushaaro was arrested on May 15, 2023 and remanded on May 17, 2023. As a result of her capture, she sustained considerable wounds to her forehead and knee. During her court appearance for the remand period, the allegations against her are related to covering the conflict in Las’Anod and seditious act against the Somaliland government. At the current moment, it is difficult to access visitation rights to Bushaaro.

Somalia PM Urges Commission to Speed Up Work on Constitution (April 2023)
Prime Minister Hamse Abdi Barre has urged the Independent Commission for the Review and Implementation of the Transitional Constitution to speed up its work on the country’s Constitution. Barre met with the Commission and stressed the importance of completing the Constitution as a priority for the government. He stated that the Constitution is a key document for the country and that it is important to have a Constitution that is agreed upon by all Somalis.

SJS Condemns Arbitrary Arrests of Journalists in Mogadishu and Somaliland (February 2023)
The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) condemns the multiple, but separate arrests against journalists and media community in Mogadishu, Banadir region and Wajale town in Somaliland, which are the latest in a string of attacks against journalists in the country. “Federal and regional authorities should respect both the federal and regional constitutions that guarantee the press freedom and the freedom of expression and guarantee the safety and security of the journalists in order for them to be able to exercise their profession without fear,” stated SJS president Mohamed Ibrahim.

Deadly clashes between protesters and security forces in Somaliland (January 2023)
Local media have reported deadly clashes between protesters and Somaliland’s security forces in Laascaanood, the capital of Sool region. At least twenty people had been killed over five days of protests. Internet and phone lines have now been cut off by Somaliland’s security forces in the city. Laascaanood is near the border between the self-proclaimed republic of Somaliland and the Somali semi-autonomous region of Puntland. The protesters want their city to be run by Puntland rather than Somaliland.

Somaliland postpones presidential election (September 2022)

Somalia’s election raises more questions than answers (May 2022)