The UK Office in Hargeisa has expressed concern regarding the detention of journalists in Somaliland, noting that more than 50 cases involving the arrest of journalists have been recorded in less than two years—a trend it says could damage Somaliland’s democratic reputation.
In a statement titled “UK Statement on Media Freedom in Somaliland,” the office announced that it had recently held discussions with Somaliland’s Minister of Information and members of the media community. The office stated that these meetings reinforced UK concerns regarding the high number of journalist arrests, emphasizing that any detention must adhere to legal procedures and judicial oversight.
“Somaliland rightly takes pride in its democratic reputation; however, the repeated detention of journalists puts that reputation at risk,” the statement read.
The UK Office also noted that a free media strengthens Somaliland, and that freedom of speech, an independent press, and civic participation are hallmarks of a confident and resilient democracy. The figures released by the British government come at a time when press freedom advocacy groups have documented numerous cases against the media. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) recorded 21 cases of journalists being detained in Somaliland in 2025, with seven of them held for more than two days.
The UK has previously expressed concern regarding the state of press freedom in Somaliland. Similarly, US officials have previously called on Somaliland to halt measures restricting the media, while journalist Abdiqani Baylood—one of Somaliland’s most prominent journalists—remains in detention.
