Reports indicate that Puntland security forces have arrested journalist Dalmar Socdaal in Galkayo for registering for Somalia’s national identification card—a program the Puntland regional government has officially opposed.
Puntland authorities have warned residents against participating in the federal initiative, citing concerns over political motives, legal validity, and potential threats to regional autonomy.
They argue that the program lacks a legal foundation and imposes an unnecessary financial burden on Somali citizens already facing economic hardships.
The arrest of Socdaal has reportedly been accompanied by allegations of torture, sparking outrage among media organizations and human rights groups.
This incident highlights a broader pattern of press freedom violations in Somalia, where journalists have faced arbitrary arrests, intimidation, and violence.
For instance, in March 2021, Amnesty International reported multiple cases of journalists being harassed and detained in Puntland ahead of elections, calling for authorities to end the persecution of media professionals.
The Puntland government’s rejection of the national ID program is part of ongoing tensions with Somalia’s federal authorities over governance and administrative control.
In March 2024, Puntland declared it would govern itself independently until constitutional amendments proposed by the central government were ratified through a nationwide referendum.
The arrest and alleged mistreatment of Socdaal underscore the fragile state of press freedom and the complex political dynamics in Somalia.
Media and human rights organizations continue to call for the protection of journalists and respect for freedom of expression across the country.
