Sunday July 28, 2024
Mogadishu (HOL) — The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has called on the Somali government to withdraw the recently introduced Official Information Bill (OIB), citing severe threats to freedom of information, democratic governance, and human rights. The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) also condemns the bill submitted to the Federal Parliament on March 16, 2021.
The OIB aims to enhance transparency and access to information. However, the IFJ and NUSOJ argue that it contains numerous ambiguous provisions and broad exemptions. These include espionage-related sanctions and undefined terms related to national security, which should be addressed in separate legislation. These vague provisions threaten free expression and transparency.
The IFJ criticizes the Somali government for bypassing essential democratic processes. The exclusion of public consultation and stakeholder engagement undermines core democratic values and compromises the legislation's effectiveness.
According to the IFJ, "The Bill starkly contradicts international standards, including the African Union Model Law on Access to Information and the Provisional Constitution of Somalia. It fails to establish clear, well-defined exemptions and contains extensive provisions on confidentiality and national security information that are incompatible with global best practices."
If passed in its current form, media rights activists believe the OIB will undermine freedom of information and transparency in Somalia. It will enable government secrecy, potentially increasing corruption and abuse of power. The bill's vague provisions and broad exemptions will impede accountability and damage Somalia's credibility with international partners, hindering progress toward good governance and economic stability.
NUSOJ Secretary General Omar Faruk Osman stated, "The excessive authority granted to national security institutions within this bill promotes a culture of secrecy, counteracting the goals of openness and public trust. We urge the government to withdraw the current draft and undertake meaningful revisions."
Tim Dawson, IFJ Deputy General Secretary, added, "The Official Information Bill, as it stands, represents a significant threat to freedom of information and good governance in Somalia. Its broad exemptions and ambiguous language are a recipe for legalized secrecy and unaccountability. We urge the Somali government to withdraw this bill immediately and revise it to meet international standards. Protecting the right to information is crucial for upholding democratic principles and fostering trust with both the Somali people and international partners. Without these changes, Somalia risks regressing on its path towards good governance and institutionalizing democracy."