HARGEISA, Somaliland (HornPost) — Somaliland authorities have released journalist Abdiqani Baylood and poet Ismail Jiheeye on bail after approximately 75 days in detention. However, journalist Abdirahman Egeh remains in custody following his arrest over an interview he conducted with a political figure.
Baylood and Jiheeye were released on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, following a decision by Chief Justice Aden Haji Ali, president of the Supreme Court of Somaliland and chairman of the Judicial Commission.
The two men had been held at Hargeisa Central Prison since August. Their release allows them to remain outside prison while their legal proceedings continue.
The case attracted attention from press freedom organizations and other observers, who raised concerns about the detention of journalists in connection with their professional work.
Abdirahman Egeh Remains in Custody
Meanwhile, journalist Abdirahman Mohamed Egeh remains detained after authorities arrested him on October 22, 2026.
According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Egeh was summoned to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters in Hargeisa and detained upon arrival.
His detention followed an interview he conducted on October 15 with Abdiqadir Sharay, a political figure who plans to run for president of Somalia in the 2027 elections.
CPJ reported that authorities questioned Egeh about the interview. The organization called for his unconditional release, saying journalists should not face detention for carrying out their professional duties.
lawyer Guled Dafac Said in statement on social media after the release “Journalist Abdiqani Baylood and Ismail Jiheeye, the poet he interviewed, were released on bail today. Journalist Abdirahman Egeh remains in custody after being arrested over an interview he conducted. The authorities should release Egeh immediately and drop all charges against the three men”
Press Freedom Concerns
The cases of Baylood, Jiheeye and Egeh have renewed concerns about press freedom and the treatment of journalists in Somaliland.
CPJ previously called for the release of Baylood after his arrest on August 29, 2026, following an interview with Jiheeye. The organisation said authorities had failed to formally present charges against the journalist at the time of its September report.
The detention of Egeh has raised similar concerns, particularly over the questioning of journalists about interviews with political figures.
Calls for Egeh’s Immediate Release
Press freedom advocates are calling on Somaliland authorities to release Egeh immediately and drop all charges against the three men.
They argue that journalists should be able to conduct interviews and report on public affairs without facing arrest or prosecution for their journalistic work.
Although Baylood and Jiheeye have regained their freedom on bail, their legal cases remain unresolved. Egeh also remains in custody, leaving renewed questions about press freedom and the protection of journalists in Somaliland.
HornPost Staff
info@hornpost.com
