MOGADISHU, Somalia – In its ongoing investigation into corruption within the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Shabelle Media Network has uncovered a disturbing new development – a coordinated attempt to silence journalists and shut down the media house to prevent further revelations.
The Director General of the Ministry, Yusuf Abdirahman Samatar, who has been at the center of corruption allegations, is reportedly using the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) to suppress Shabelle’s investigative journalism. To carry out this plan, he has sought help from Abdikani Rageh Barrow, the National Coordinator of the Joint UN Project on Sustainable Charcoal Reduction and Alternative Livelihoods (PROSCAL), who has allegedly been tasked with mobilizing NISA operatives to raid Shabelle Media Network, stop its broadcasting and arrest journalists reporting on the scandal.
Two sources within the Ministry, speaking anonymously due to fears of retaliation, confirmed that Abdikani, acting on the DG’s orders, has been in talks with NISA operatives to coordinate an attack on the media house. The investigation has implicated DG Samatar in the mismanagement of climate finance projects funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF). He is also facing allegations of extortion against institutions engaging with the Ministry.
Senior officials in the Ministry, who were approached by Abdikani regarding the deployment of NISA operatives, later spoke confidentially to Shabelle Media Network. They revealed that he is working to shield the DG from public scrutiny by leveraging his position and family ties with NISA leadership. His alleged plan is to use NISA operatives to intimidate and silence investigative reporting, protecting those accused of financial misappropriation.
Shabelle has also learned that Abdikani Rageh Barrow, a Somali-Canadian national, is officially employed by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, but his salary is paid by the United Nations through the joint programme. According to insiders, he has claimed he can mobilize NISA operatives against Shabelle Media Network, raising serious concerns about press freedom and the misuse of international funds.
Abukar Sheikh Mohamed, Director of Shabelle Media Network, responded to these revelations by saying “we are not surprised by these attempts to suppress our journalism. We report without fear or favor and our mission is to expose the truth to the public. We will continue our investigative work, no matter the threats. When government officials misuse public funds and abuse their power, we stand firmly with the people and ensure they know what is happening.”
A prominent woman human rights defender, speaking to Shabelle, expressed shock at the escalation of corruption allegations into a direct attack on press freedom. “Instead of addressing the corruption allegations and taking corrective action, a government official – whose salary is funded by the UN – is orchestrating a crackdown on the media using the security agency. This is a blatant violation of press freedom. If the government fails to act, the matter must be reported to the UN for intervention.”
Shabelle Media Network remains resolute in its commitment to investigative journalism. As part of its continuing exposé, Shabelle will release further reports detailing corruption, extortion and abuse of public office linked to this case and the officials involved. The network will not be intimidated and will continue its mission to expose wrongdoing and hold public officials accountable.
“This latest attack on press freedom is a dangerous escalation,” said the Director of Shabelle Media Network. “It reinforces the urgent need for national and international intervention to protect journalists, combat corruption, safeguard donor funds meant for the Somali people and ensure the rule of law is upheld.”
