Monday March 6, 2017
MOGADISHU - The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) welcomes the Somali Presidents’ pledges support free media during meeting with the Somali Journalist leaders and more than fifty media representatives on Sunday 5 March, 2017 at Villa Somalia.
The Secretary General of the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), Mohamed Ibrahim Moalimuu who spoke on behalf of the Somali Journalists at large raised the concerns of the Somali Journalists including arbitrary arrests, killings, torture, intimidations and so on
Somalia President Mohamed Abdullahi affirmed to the journalists' leaders and representatives of media that his government will guarantee the press freedom and freedom of expression, safety and the security of the working journalists”
“I respect the important work you do in Somalia which is indeed extremely difficult and I understand your concerns,” the President said. “I also send my condolences to the families of all journalist killed in Somalia while working for their people” President added.
Farhia Mohamed Kheyre NUSOJ Human Rights and Women Issues Secretary mentioned the importance of reviewing Somali media bill in line with the International norms and standards and with the full participation of the Somali media stakeholders
The National Union of Somali Journalists calls on Somalia’s new President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo to take the following recommendations to facilitate the journalists to work for the community and provide the truth they need to know.
• Take all necessary measures to combat impunity against the media professionals and investigate thoroughly and persecute those responsible for the killings of journalists.
• End unlawful detentions, arbitrary arrests, intimidation and harassment against journalists and the media workers and create safe environment for the media professionals and guarantee the safety of journalists by prioritizing the eradication of the continuing impunity against freedom of expression and other human rights violations, especially among law enforcement agents and the armed forces and strenuous efforts need to be made to put to an end these extremely serious crimes against journalists.
• Strengthen the justice system and rule of law and Guarantee the independence of the judiciary and halt the use of the Penal Code and Terrorism laws to suppress the right to freedom of expression and of the press, decriminalize media offenses, and review media laws in line with international standards of freedom of expression.
• Review Somali media bill in line with the International norms and standards and with the full participation of the Somali media stakeholders
• Provide practical support and expertise to the media on safety issues and documentation of atrocities committed against media;
• Provide resources to the media in Somalia to rebuild itself and improve on the capacities of its practitioners;
Somali journalists share the high expectation from the new government with other parts of the community who widely welcomed the election and hope their working conditions to be improved.
Finally, Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo promised to media that his government is ready to cooperate fully with journalists and has requested to them to take a significant role in mobilizing drought response and fighting the corruption.