Jersey-backed journalist's family set for reunion after years-long wait - Jersey Evening Post
by Fiona Potigny · Jersey Evening PostPosted inNews
Jersey-backed journalist’s family set for reunion after years-long wait
by Fiona Potigny 14 June 202610 June 2026
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A SOMALI journalist who survived war, imprisonment and torture – and lost an arm after being shot by a militia soldier as a teenager – is on the verge of having his family join him in the UK, thanks in part to the generosity of JEP readers.
Human rights campaigner and press freedom advocate Abdalle Mumin visited Jersey last year as a guest of the Prisoners of Conscience Holiday Fund, a local charity which provides restorative holidays in Jersey for human rights advocates who have successfully claimed asylum to live in the UK.
During an interview with the JEP, Mr Mumin described how he grew up in a displacement camp in Somalia, where violence, famine and lawlessness were rife. Aged just 13, he was caught in a fight between rival militias while walking home from school with his younger brother.
His brother was killed and Mr Mumin was so badly injured that his right arm had to be amputated – an experience, he said, which helped shape a lifelong commitment to journalism and human rights.
“I always wanted to be on the side of the good people, the poor and vulnerable communities, and to write stories that were in the public interest,” he told the JEP at the time.
“I wanted to write about human rights, and the suffering of women and children.”
His story touched many readers, who in turn pledged £6,310 towards efforts to reunite Mr Mumin with his family, who have spent years separated by conflict and exile.
Writing from Hull after a recent trip to Nairobi to see his family, Mr Mumin said the long-awaited reunion is now within reach, with his wife and children expecting to receive their passports and UK visas this week following a year-long application process.
“You can imagine this moment of excitement,” he said.
“Thanks to your support and the good people of Jersey, my family is nearly there.
“After waiting a full year for the application, hopefully the big news will arrive [this week], and my family will be prepared to travel and reunite with me.”
Mr Mumin – who is Secretary General of the Somali Journalists Syndicate – also shared news of another milestone in his letter.
The Geeska Freedom Centre in the UK – an organisation he has established to promote media freedom, women’s rights and human rights – has now been formally registered as a Community Interest Company in England and Wales.
“This means our organisation is official and legally registered, allowing our activism to fight for human rights and freedoms and to seek support for continued growth,” he said.
“Women’s freedom, media freedom and human rights for all remain our main focus.”
Emphasising his gratitude in the letter, he added: “May this year be full of joy, and may human rights be upheld for all communities…. Please let the good community of Jersey know how happy I am with their support and how they made a difference!”
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