The Associated Somali Journalists (ASOJ) has expressed serious concern regarding the safety and protection needs of veteran Somali journalist Nimco Mohamed Bashir, following a review of her professional background and the security incidents she experienced during her long career in Somalia.

Nimco Mohamed Bashir is a well-known Somali journalist with more than 15 years of professional media experience in Mogadishu. Throughout her career, she worked with several prominent Somali media organisations, including Radio Muqdisho, Somali Channel TV, Radio Codka Nabadda and RTN TV.

During the final three years of her work with RTN TV, she held a senior management position at the organisation's Mogadishu office.

ASOJ Verification of Her Journalistic Career

ASOJ has reviewed and verified documentation relating to Bashir's journalistic career, including press and professional identification issued at different stages of her work.

The documentation reviewed by ASOJ includes credentials associated with Radio Codka Nabadda, Somali Channel TV, RTN TV and Villa Somalia Press Corps / Office of the President.

Based on this documentation and ASOJ's knowledge of her professional history, the organisation confirms that Bashir has a longstanding and established record as a Somali journalist.

Serious Security Incidents

Bashir's career took place during one of the most dangerous periods for journalists working in Somalia.

According to information documented and reviewed by ASOJ, she has experienced serious security incidents during her journalistic career.

She was injured in an explosion in 2012.

Years later, on 13 June 2022, she survived another serious incident described in ASOJ's records as an attempt on her life.

ASOJ has also documented information concerning threats against Bashir in connection with Al-Shabaab.

For security and legal reasons, ASOJ will not publicly disclose all information contained in its incident records. Relevant documentation can, where appropriate, be provided confidentially to competent authorities and legal representatives.

Concern About Return to Somalia

ASOJ considers Bashir's individual profile particularly important when assessing the risks she could face in Somalia.

Her case involves not only the general security situation affecting journalists in the country, but also her longstanding public profile as a journalist, previous exposure to serious violence and documented security concerns.

These factors should therefore be assessed collectively rather than in isolation.

ASOJ believes that any assessment of her protection needs should take full account of her professional history, visibility as a journalist and the incidents she has experienced.

Possible Psychological Impact

ASOJ is also concerned about the potential psychological consequences of prolonged exposure to violence, threats and life-threatening incidents.

ASOJ does not make medical or psychiatric diagnoses. However, considering Bashir's history, the organisation believes that an independent professional medical and psychological assessment would be appropriate to determine whether her experiences have resulted in trauma-related or other psychological difficulties.

Such an assessment may also be relevant in determining whether trauma has affected her ability to recall and describe traumatic events fully, chronologically and consistently during legal or asylum proceedings.

ASOJ Calls for Protection

ASOJ calls upon the relevant Dutch authorities to ensure that Nimco Mohamed Bashir's case receives a careful, individual and comprehensive assessment.

Her more than 15 years of journalistic work, verified professional credentials, previous exposure to violence, security concerns documented by ASOJ and the potential consequences of returning to Somalia should all be taken into consideration.

ASOJ further calls for appropriate independent medical and psychological assessment where necessary and for Bashir to receive international protection if she meets the applicable legal requirements.

The protection of journalists who have been threatened or attacked because of their professional work remains fundamental to press freedom.

ASOJ stands ready to cooperate with the competent authorities and Bashir's legal representatives and, where legally permissible and appropriate, to provide relevant documentation from its records.

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Stichting Associated Somali Journalists (ASOJ)

Breda, The Netherlands
KvK: 52066622
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.asoj.org

ASOJ is a Netherlands-based journalists' organisation committed to press freedom, journalists' safety, professional journalism and the protection of Somali media professionals.