MOGADISHU – Somali journalist and Xogbile media founder Mascuud Warsame has been released after spending 39 days in detention by Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), according to the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS). SJS said Warsame was detained in Mogadishu on 30 June 2026 and released on 8 August without being charged or brought before a court.

According to SJS, Warsame said he was initially taken to a police station in Hodan district before being transferred to a NISA detention facility near Mogadishu port. He told the journalists’ union that he was repeatedly questioned about his social media activity and reports published by Xogbile that were critical of the leadership of Southwest State.

SJS said Warsame described being held in a dark and hot cell with limited access to his family. According to his account to the union, his health deteriorated during detention and he collapsed twice before being taken to a doctor under armed guard. SJS said Warsame was suffering from fever and weakness when he was released and was later diagnosed with malaria and allergic conditions.

SJS welcomed Warsame’s release but raised concerns over his prolonged detention without charge, judicial appearance or regular access to family and legal representation. The union called on Somali authorities to end what it described as the use of intelligence and security agencies to intimidate or arbitrarily detain journalists and urged authorities to respect media freedom and due process.