Press Release
Somaliland Human Rights Defenders Recognize Mohamoud Abdi Jama ‘Xuuto’ Amid Rising Intimidation on International Whistleblower Day
Oakland, California, USA – June 23, 2025 — On International Whistleblower Day, the Somaliland Human Rights Defenders Network, in partnership with Grassroots Democratic Movements**, proudly honors veteran journalist and former Chairman of the Somaliland Journalists Association (SOLJA), Mr. Mohamoud Abdi Jama (Xuuto), as the first-ever recipient of the Somaliland National Whistleblower Award (2025).
Mr. Xuuto is recognized for his two-decade-long courageous commitment to press freedom, exposing systemic corruption, and demanding accountability from Somaliland’s most powerful institutions. Despite being imprisoned more than 20 times on politically motivated charges, he has remained a fearless and principled advocate for justice.
URGENT HUMAN RIGHTS ALERT
This honor comes amid alarming developments: Mr. Xuuto is currently **in hiding in Hargeisa after Somaliland’s National Security Council—comprising senior security ministers and military commanders—reportedly issued orders for his immediate arrest. The crackdown follows Mr. Xuuto’s whistleblowing reports demanding transparency in the **leasing of Berbera Military Airport and Port to the United States.
In a deeply troubling escalation, on June 20, 2025, Somaliland security forces seized a vehicle belonging to Mr. Xuuto’s wife while she was traveling with their children in Hargeisa during early morning hours. This act of intimidation against his family constitutes a **serious human rights violation and sets a dangerous precedent for silencing dissent.
We Urgently Call on the Somaliland Government To:
Immediately and unconditionally return the confiscated vehicle to Mr. Xuuto’s family.
Immediately suspend the unlawful detention order against whistleblower Mr. Xuuto, issued without due process or a competent court order.
Cease all harassment, intimidation, and retaliation against Mr. Xuuto and his family.
Protect journalists and whistleblowers in accordance with Somaliland’s constitution and international human rights law.
On this day of global recognition for whistleblowers, we urge Somaliland’s authorities to uphold the principles of accountability, transparency, and the rule of law. Targeting whistleblowers not only violates their rights—it **erodes public trust and undermines democracy.
Suleiman Bolaleh
Human Rights Defender
Media Contact:
hornwatch@hotmail.com
+1 (510) 640-2727
To contact the whistleblower directly (securely and confidentially):
Xuuto2015@gmail.com
