Hassan Istiila
Thursday February 15, 2024
Mogadishu (HOL) - The Federation of Somali Journalists (FESOJ), the Somali Media Association (SOMA), and their affiliated organizations, operating under the umbrella of the Somali Mechanism for the Safety of Journalists (SMSJ), are working to establish the Somali Media Council by Article 14 of the Somali Media Law.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the two media organizations urged other affiliated media organizations, the government, and civil society to collaborate in establishing the Council.
"To address the remaining challenges, it is imperative to initiate the establishment process of the Media Council to resolve controversies and ongoing debates. The formation of the Somali Media Council has been a subject of disagreement for some time. In the current year, we are optimistic that all media stakeholders will come together carefully and with an open mind to establish the Media Council," the statement reads.
The Federation of Somali Journalists (FESOJ) has been closely monitoring the establishment of the East African Media Council, laying the groundwork for its formation.
As Somalia is now a part of the East African community, it must be involved in the East African Media Council, with which FESOJ has been extensively consulted during its establishment.
The establishment of the Somali Media Council, as required by Article 14 of the country's Media Law, is outlined in its various sections: 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4, 14.5, 14.6, 14.7, 14.8, and 14.9.