HARGEISA, Somaliland —(HornPost) The United Kingdom has raised concerns over the arrest of journalists in Somaliland, saying repeated detentions risk undermining the territory’s democratic reputation and calling for stronger judicial oversight.
In a statement issued by the British Office in Hargeisa following recent discussions with Somaliland’s Ministry of Information and media representatives, the UK said more than 50 cases involving the arrest of journalists had been recorded in less than two years.
“Any arrest should be conducted in line with due process and with proper judicial oversight,” the British Office said.
The statement represents one of the clearest recent public expressions of concern by the UK over the state of media freedom in Somaliland.
The British Office said Somaliland had reason to take pride in its democratic reputation, but warned that repeated arrests of journalists could damage that standing.
“Free media strengthens Somaliland; it does not weaken it,” the statement said, adding that independent journalism, freedom of expression and civic space are indicators of confidence and resilience in a democracy.
Media Bill offers opportunity for reform
The UK also welcomed the introduction of Somaliland’s Media Bill before the House of Representatives this week, describing it as an opportunity to address longstanding challenges in the media sector.
The British Office particularly highlighted the proposed Media Council, saying the body should be genuinely impartial and have sufficient independence and authority to resolve disputes.
The comments come as Somaliland authorities and media stakeholders continue discussions over the regulation of the sector, journalists’ professional standards and mechanisms for resolving disputes between media organizations and government institutions.
Somaliland government focuses on media law and professional development
The Somaliland Ministry of Information, Culture and National Guidance presented a broader account of its discussions with British officials.
Minister of Information Barkhad Jama Batun, who is also the government spokesperson, met with the head of the British Office in Hargeisa, Louise Hancock.
According to the ministry, the meeting focused on the Media Bill currently before Parliament, improving the professional capacity of journalists and maintaining training programs for media workers.
The ministry also presented plans to establish a school dedicated to journalism and media studies and said it was prepared to provide land for the proposed institution.
Both sides agreed on the importance of strengthening cooperation and exchanging expertise, particularly in media development and professional training, the ministry said.
Following the meeting, Hancock visited Radio Hargeisa, one of Somaliland’s historic media institutions. The ministry said the station operates from a building constructed by the former British administration in 1942.
Different emphasis in the two statements
While both sides highlighted the importance of media development and the Media Bill, their public statements placed noticeably different emphasis on the meeting.
The Somaliland Ministry of Information focused primarily on cooperation, professional training, the proposed journalism school and the legislative process.
The British statement, however, placed greater emphasis on journalist arrests, due process, judicial oversight, media independence and the proposed Media Council.
The difference in emphasis comes as Somaliland seeks to strengthen its democratic institutions and international profile while facing continued scrutiny over freedom of expression and the treatment of journalists.
For the UK, the Media Bill could provide an opportunity to establish clearer and more independent mechanisms for regulating the media sector.
For Somaliland authorities, the legislation is also part of broader efforts to professionalism the industry and strengthen institutional cooperation with media organizations and international partners.
The British Office said it would continue supporting media freedom in Somaliland.
Prepared by:
HornPost staff
HARGEISA, Somaliland
