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Somali Journalists Syndicate protests against the unfair and unjust 3.5 year jail term for journalist Abdimalik Muse Oldon in Somaliland

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FILE PHOTO: Journalist Abdimalik Muse Oldon who is sentenced to 3 and half years in jail on Monday, 8 July, 2019. | Photo credit/ Facebook.
FILE PHOTO: Journalist Abdimalik Muse Oldon who is sentenced to 3 and half years in jail on Monday, 8 July, 2019. | Photo credit/ Facebook.

MOGADISHU, Somalia, 8 July, 2019 – Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) protests the unfair and politically motivated court decision against journalist Abdimalik Muse Oldon on Monday 8 July, 2019, after a court in Somaliland handed down the journalist three and half years jail term and calls for the Hargeisa-based Marodi Jeh court to retract its decision.

In its hearing today, the Marodi Jeh Regional Court judge sentenced Abdimalik Muse Oldon even though the defending lawyers clearly proved the groundlessness of  the allegations brought to the court against the journalist who was arrested on April 17 over his critical reporting and social media posts deemed to be critical to the state, according to the charge sheet.

Two of Oldon’s lawyers- Mubarik Abdi Ismail and Jamal Hussein Ahmed said they will appeal against the verdict to the Higher Court. Both lawyers said the judgment is an affront to the Somaliland Constitution which guarantees the Freedom of Expression.

“Today is another black day for the freedom of the expression in Somaliland. Journalist Oldon has been sentenced to three and half years despite there is no single plaintiff in the case,” defending lawyer Jamal Hussein Ahmed said. “We shall of course react and appeal against this injustice.”

According to lawyer Mubarik Abdi Ismail, shortly before the court sentence was announced, the defending lawyers presented their case to defend the journalist including repealing the articles from the Penal Code used for the verdict.

“In the beginning of this case, we have clearly mentioned that Oldon’s arrest was illegal. And again today again we could see the judges were not independent. They were under constant pressure and psychologically influenced by the State,” defending lawyer Mubarik adds

Somali Journalists Syndicate has learnt that a state-organized campaign to influence the judges at the court against Journalist Oldon was mobilized. On Sunday night, a group of pro-government supporters including officers from Criminal Investigations Department (CID) purportedly claimed that they were parents from Abaarso School  appeared on state media as they called the Marodi Jeh Court Judges to sentence the journalist with a long jail term.

On 19 June, 2019, the Marodi Jeh Court refused a preliminary objection brought by journalist Oldon’s defending lawyers opposing the legality of the charges and that two of three charges including one mentioning a complaint by Abaarso School brought lacked evidences required by the court. The judges however decided to proceed with the hearing under the influence of the state.

On 25 June, 2019, the state prosecutors brought three parents as witnesses from Abaarso School who purportedly claimed that their school was defamed by the journalist after writing an article which criticized the school’s behavior. This is in addition to a fourth witness who is an officer working at the CID and presented screenshots of journalist Abdimalik Muse Oldon’s Facebook posts deemed critical to Somaliland’s leadership.

 “The court sentence against journalist Abdimalik Muse Oldon is a politically motivated and therefore it is completely unacceptable,” Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, Secretary General of Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) said “We call authorities in Somaliland to stop criminalizing journalists for only expressing their constitutionally granted freedoms, including freedom of expression and immediately free the journalist.”

The freedoms of press and that of the freedom of expression are growingly declining in Somaliland as authorities arrested 28 journalists in 2018, an indication of a worrying trend of restricting journalists’ rights to freedom of the press.

“Somaliland should not use criminal laws to threaten and silence the work of independent media and we call for the Somaliland court to retract its decision against the journalist” Mr. Mumin added.

SJS condemns assault, threats and harassment against CGTN TV correspondent in Mogadishu

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Abdulaziz Billow Ali, CGTN Somalia-based Correspondent. | Photo credit/Facebook Abdulaziz Billow.
Abdulaziz Billow Ali, CGTN Somalia-based Correspondent. | Photo credit/Facebook Abdulaziz Billow.

ALERT

MOGADISHU, Somalia, 2 July, 2019 – Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) condemns the physical assault and threats against TV journalist Abdulaziz Billow Ali and his cameraman Mohamed Ahmed Mohamed by an official from the Somali Prime Minister’s Office on eve of July 1st, 2019 in Mogadishu.

At 1pm local time on 01 July, 2019, inside the premises of the Prime Minister’s Office, Abdulaziz Billow Ali, Mogadishu-based correspondent for the China Global Television Network (CGTN) was physically assaulted, harassed, threatened and their camera equipment nearly broken down by the director of the Prime Minister’s Residence, Abdirahman Dirie known as “Goomey” after the journalist refused to record the director’s press statement on behalf of Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire, according to journalist Billow.

According to journalist Abdulaziz Billow and other journalists who saw the incident, the TV crew was recording Vox Pop clips about the 59th Anniversary of Somalia’s Independence Day when the director of the Prime Minister’s Residence, Mr Goomey interrupted and ordered the journalist to record his Independence Day statement which the crew turned down.

“When we explained about our program, he [the official] started to physically assault me by hitting me several times and tried to damage our camera,” journalist Abdulaziz Billow Ali told SJS  ” he told us ‘if you do not record my speech, you will no longer be able continue working here’ and ejected us from the facility by force and threatened to harm me and my crew should I return there again.”’

The TV crew left the premises without executing their journalistic duties after this official called members of the security soldiers and according to journalist Billow the situation could worsen should they not leave the premises immediately.

Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) condemns this assault against the journalists on duty by this senior government official from the office of the Somali prime minister. We call Somali Government to discipline and take appropriate action against this official for using violence and threats against an innocent journalist who carries out his duties.

“We call Somali government to uphold the press freedom and allow journalists to exercise their granted freedoms peacefully,” Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, Secretary General of the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) said “Journalists have the right to execute their duties without fear or being harassed.”

On the night of 26 June, a soldier at Somali President’s security detail beat punched and kicked several times journalist Abdulkadir Ahmed Mohamed (alias Mo’alim) who works for Radio Voice of Banadir Regional Administration (BRA) at the premises of Banadir Regional Administration where the 59th Anniversary of the Independence Day celebrations took place. That officer was later arrested, according to the Director of Communications at the Office of the President, Abdinur Mohamed Ahmed.

Somaliland Authorities allow Horyaal 24 TV and Eryal TV to resume operations, impose new restrictions

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TV station camera crews attend a press conference in Mogadishu, Somalia on May 31, 2019. | Photo credit/ Somali Journalists Syndicate.
TV station camera crews attend a press conference in Mogadishu, Somalia on May 31, 2019. | Photo credit/ Somali Journalists Syndicate.

PRESS STATEMENT

MOGADISHU, Somalia, 30 June, 2019 – Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) welcomes with concern today’s decision by Somaliland authorities to allow Horyaal 24 TV and Eryal TV, both privately-owned stations, to resume operations in Somaliland, while the authorities imposed new conditions meant to restrict the critical reporting of the media.

Somaliland’s security forces on 18 June, 2019 raided the headquarters of Horyaal 24 TV and Eryal TV and forced both TV stations to stop operating indefinitely.

On Sunday 30 June, 2019, Somaliland’s Information Minister, Mohamed Muse Dirie met with representatives from the independent media houses including Horyaal 24 TV and Eryal TV where the minister informed the media representatives about the resumption of the TV stations along with the new conditions, according to Mohamed Aw-Adan, the Deputy Chairperson of Horyaal 24 TV who attended the meeting.

 “During the meeting, the minister read a decree to ban any critical news about the security forces or deemed to be critical to Somaliland nationhood. We were also ordered to refer Somaliland as a republic in our news coverage,” Mohamed Aw-Adan of Horyaal 24 TV told SJS.

About 11 TV stations signed the order while three stations refused to sign, according to Abdirahman Abdillahi, the editor of Eryal TV who attended the Sunday’s meeting with Ministry of Information and spoke to SJS over the phone.

 “We are still looking into how these orders will affect our editorial independence but we are quite worried that certain parts of the order are not clear,” Abdirahman Abdillahi or Eryal TV added.

The Editor-in-Chief of Horyaal 24 TV, Said Farah Muse Cagjar who also spoke to SJS over the phone said the new orders also instruct the independent media house to separate the local Somaliland related news and other local news from the wider Somalia during their news hours bulletins while they were also told not to broadcast any news reports and interviews criticizing the government or the security forces.

“The orders include a paragraph which orders editors to put Somaliland related news forward from any other news items without considering our editorial guidelines,” Horyaal 24 TV Editor-in-Chief Cagjar added.

While we welcome the order by the Somaliland authorities to lift the suspension from Horyaal 24 TV and Eryal TV, we are also concerned about the new restrictions imposed on the independent media, which might possibly result the independent media to self censor over important and critical reports.

“We welcome to hear the news that Horyaal 24 TV and Eryal TV were allowed to resume operations,” Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, Secretary General of the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) said, “We are also concerned about the new restrictions imposed on the independent media, which is a total violation against the Somaliland Constitution, which guarantees the independence of the press.”

 Somali Journalists Syndicate calls Somaliland authorities to lift the restrictions imposed on the media which curtails the freedom of the press and the independence of the news media editors.

“To put pressure on the independent media with the aim of altering and suppressing their news content is an offensive and cannot be accepted,” adds SJS Secretary General, Mr. Mumin.

Meanwhile, Marodi-Jeh Regional Court in Hargeisa is expected to sit on Thursday 4 July, 2019 for another hearing of the case against journalist and activist Abdimalik Muse Oldon after the court adjourned its hearing scheduled for Saturday 29 June.

On 24 June, 2019, Somaliland’s Ministry of information issued a decree ordering three major local cable television providers to delist Horyaal TV, Eryal TV and the Somali National Television (SNTV) from their channels in a bit to sanction the viewers of the TV stations.

SJS condemns assault against a radio journalist by a security officer in Mogadishu, calls for proper investigation

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File Photo: Radio journalist, Abdulkadir Ahmed Mohamed (alias Mo’alim).
File Photo: Radio journalist, Abdulkadir Ahmed Mohamed (alias Mo’alim). | Photo credit/Facebook.

ALERT

MOGADISHU, Somalia, 26 June, 2019 – Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) calls for an urgent investigation into the acts of beating, punching and kicking journalist Abdulkadir Ahmed Mohamed (alias Mo’alim) who works for Radio Voice of Banadir Regional Administration (BRA) by a security officer in Mogadishu on 26 June 2019.

The journalist was reporting from the 59th Anniversary of 26th June event where top Somali government officials including President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo celebrated in commemoration the Independence Day at the BRA Headquarters in Mogadishu when a presidential guards soldier punched, kicked and beat him in a crowded venue inside the BRA compound.

In a video clip shared on social media by several journalists, the uniformed soldier could be seen punching, kicking, beating and knocking the journalist to the floor.

A colleague who was at the event and saw when the soldier beat the journalist told SJS that the officer was angry with the journalists and had previously threatened to beat any journalist he encounters.

“That officer was very annoyed when we were inside the hall as we live streamed the event. He was rude to us and threatened to beat journalists,” said the colleague who asked anonymity due to safety concerns.

Colleagues who came to rescue the journalist tried to intervene by explaining from point blank that he was a journalist but the soldier did not listen.

Journalist Abdulkadir sustained minor bruises and pain at above his kidney and back.

Colleagues and the journalist himself said he could go to work on Wednesday morning and had taken painkillers at home.

The journalist did not file any complaint as of Wednesday evening.

Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) condemns the assault against our colleague in the strongest terms possible and called for the federal government authorities to ensure the safety of the journalists who are on reporting missions and bring those held responsible to court.

“We condemn the assault and beating of our colleague in the strongest terms possible” Mohamed Ibrahim (Bakistaan), SJS President said, “We call for the Somali government to investigate this incident properly and bring the officer and officers involved in this attack to book.”

SJS reminds Somali authorities that it is the right of journalists to carry out their work under safe conditions, without fear of being harassed, attacked or beaten specially during when the journalists are on reporting missions involving interactions with state officials and security people.

“Somali journalists are facing more and more violence from state security forces in their day-to-day duties. This is regrettable and should stop,” SJS Secretary General Abdalle Ahmed Mumin said “There is no officer who is above the law. Any officer who commits abuses against journalist should be fully held accountable and prosecuted,”

As of late Wednesday, Director of Communications at the Office of the President, Abdinur Mohamed Ahmed apologized about the assault against journalist Abdulkadir and said that the soldier responsible has been arrested.

On 15 June, 2019, police in Mogadishu assaulted and fired live ammunition at journalists while trying to deny access to a blast site near Sayidka Junction. On May 14, police confiscated journalists’ equipment and detained a cameraman while beating two others during when a group of journalists went to report from a blast site in Warta Nabadda district in Mogadishu.

Somaliland’s Marodi Jeh court should drop charges against journalist Oldon- SJS calls

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Journalist Abdimalik Muse Oldon. | Photo: Courtesy/ Facebook.
Journalist Abdimalik Muse Oldon. | Photo: Courtesy/ Facebook.

MOGADISHU, Somalia, 26 June, 2029 –  Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) is gravely concerned by unfounded and unjustified charges brought by Somaliland prosecutor before the Hargeisa-based Marodi Jeh Regional Court against journalist and social media activist Abdimalik Muse Oldon who was arrested on April 17, 2019 over his critical reporting and social media posts.

According to the charge sheet and lawyer Mubarik Abdi Ismail who represents Oldon, the state prosecutor brought three charges as such: Shaming the management of Abaarso School and its students via a January, 2019 article claiming that the school teaches sex education; Spreading false allegations against Somaliland and calling the Somaliland leadership a dictatorship state in a 7 February, 2019 Facebook post and; Spreading propaganda against Abaarso School by writing that the school teaches students homosexuality in January 2019.  The charge sheet claims Oldon’s posts and article threatened the security of Somaliland.

On Wednesday 19 June, 2019, the Court refused a preliminary objection brought by journalist Oldon’s defending lawyers opposing the legality of the charges and that two of three charges brought lacked evidences required by the court. The judges however decided to proceed with the hearing and scheduled Wednesday June 25th, 2019 to hold its next session under the influence of the state.

On Wednesday 25 June, 2019, the state prosecutors brought three parents as witnesses from Abaarso School who purportedly claimed that their school was defamed by the journalist after writing an article which criticized the school’s behavior. This is in addition to a fourth witness who is an officer working at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and presented screenshots of journalist Oldon’s Facebook posts deemed critical to Somaliland’s leadership.

“The judges did not listen to the defending lawyers in their preliminary objection and instead favored the prosecutors. It clear this court is influenced by the state and will not provide Oldon a fair trial,” lawyer Mubarik Abdi Ismail who represents Oldon told SJS. “My client Oldon remains in jail illegally. He is arrested because of his independent views as a journalist.”

SJS has learnt that officers from CID forced the management of Abaarso School to be part of the case against Oldon who was arrested on April 17 from Bura’o town over his critical reporting.

A journalist who witnessed the two court sessions told SJS that the CID officer called ‘Abdi’ in charge of investigating Oldon’s case presented a letter purportedly written and signed by the school’s management. Though the authenticity of the letter was not verified, however two of the defending lawyers noted that they believe the police used intimidation to get the letter signed by the school management.

SJS calls Marodi Jeh court judges to drop all the charges against Oldon and release him unconditionally.

“Journalists should not be detained and taken to court for only writing critically against the state,” SJS Secretary General, Abdalle Ahmed Mumin said “The freedom of the press is enshrined in Somaliland Constitution and authorities should respect the freedom of the press and stop the continued violations by the Somaliland authority.”

The freedoms of press and that of the journalists in Somaliland are growingly declining as authorities arrested 28 journalists in 2018, an indication of a worrying trend of restricting the journalists’ rights to freedom of the press.

“Somaliland should not use criminal laws to threaten and silence the work of independent media.” Mr. Mumin added.

On 24 June, 2019, Somaliland’s Ministry of information issued a decree ordering three major local cable television providers to delist Horyaal TV, Eryal TV and the Somali National Television (SNTV) from their channels in a bit to sanction the viewers of the TV stations. On June 18, 2019, Somaliland authorities indefinitely shut down the offices of Horyaal TV and Eryal TV in Hargeisa which until today remain closed.

SJS Congress concludes in Mogadishu with a call to defending Press freedom and Trade Union rights

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Launch event of Somali Journalists Syndicate's Congress in Mogadishu June 21-22 2019.
Launch event of Somali Journalists Syndicate's Congress in Mogadishu June 21-22 2019.

MOGADISHU, Somalia, 23 June, 2019 –  A two-day congress of the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) which was held at Hayat hotel in Mogadishu between 21-22 June 2019, concluded with a launching ceremony on Saturday with a call to defending press freedom and trade union rights.

Representatives from Somali media, Ministry of Labor, Members of the Parliament, representatives from civil society organizations and journalists from different sectors of the media gathered for the official launch of the union.

The launching ceremony was officially opened with the recitation of Quran, followed by welcoming remarks by SJS vice president Omar Mohamed and SJS Gender secretary Nafiso Hersi Mohamed who both thanked the participants for their time.

SJS Gender secretary Nafiso Hersi Mohamed
SJS Gender secretary Nafiso Hersi Mohamed

Ms Nafiso Hersi Mohamed stressed the need to empower women journalists by providing training and also supporting journalists in holding leadership positions and raising their voices.

“Female journalists in Somalia are increasingly coming into this profession but unfortunately the workplaces are not changing to adopt the needs of the women in the media. SJS stands to be on the forefront in sensitizing the rights of women in the media.” Ms. Mohamed said.

SJS Vice President Omar Said Mohamed gave a brief introduction about the Somali Journalists Syndicate and the motives behind its foundation.

SJS Vice President, Omar Said Mohamed.
SJS Vice President, Omar Said Mohamed

“Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) came for the interest of the working journalists, we strive to safeguard their freedoms and their trade union rights,” Mr Omar Mohamed, SJS Vice president  said “SJS represents its members by providing professional services including advocacy, trainings, legal defense and giving them a voice both in the public and the workplace.”

SJS Secretary-General, Abdalle Ahmed Mumin has extensively enlightened the vision and objectives of Somali Journalists Syndicate as he also presented the Syndicate’s strategic action plan in the coming three years.

SJS Secretary-General, Abdalle Ahmed Mumin
SJS Secretary-General, Abdalle Ahmed Mumin

“SJS represents the working journalists who are members of SJS and the wider journalists who need our support.  Our legal defense team is on standby to defend if journalist is in trouble on issues related to his journalism work,” Mr. Mumin told those attended the launching event.

“Our plan is to establish a fully equipped training centre and fundraise for the support of journalists who either lose jobs or get injured or killed.  Through the membership fees, we shall provide priority-based trainings for member journalists in addition to creating networking opportunities with regard to job opportunities and other benefits,” Mr Mumin further noted.

The Secretary-General also announced that SJS already started engagement with local hospitals to set up a scheme of health benefits where a discounted treatment will be provided member journalists and their families through.

Mohamed Ad’eed Ali, the director of Somalia’s Non-State Actors (SONSA) — a coalition of Civil Society Organizations — has endorsed the launch of SJS as an independent trade union journalists-owned organization.

“Media is an integral part of the civil society. We welcome SJS’s launch. Our part is to welcome you and be with you whenever you need our hand,” Mr. Ad’eed said.

Secretary General of the Somali Media Association (SOMA), Mohamed Abduwahab Abdullahi, the largest media employers’ association in Somalia, has praised new SJS leadership’s initiative toward serving and defending rights of member journalists as he urged working journalists to seek membership.

“Our organization has over 33 media stations across the country and we need a trade union journalist organization like SJS to represent the interest of our employees. We urge our journalists to seek membership at SJS,” said Mr. Abdullahi of SOMA.

Chairperson of Somalia’s Upper House Sub-committee on Media, Social and Cultural Affairs, Senator Nadir Jama while speaking on the launch emphasized the importance of free and independent media for enriching Somalia’s democratic institutions and promised that journalists will have important role in reviewing the new media law currently pending at Lower House.

Senator Nadir Jama, Chairperson of Somalia's Upper House Sub-committee on Media, Social and Cultural Affairs.
Senator Nadir Jama, Chairperson of Somalia’s Upper House Sub-committee on Media, Social and Cultural Affairs.

“We praise the leaders of SJS particularly Abdalle Mumin and Mohamed Ibrahim Bakistan whom we knew their efforts towards supporting and protecting Somali journalists,” Senator Jama added “As members of the Federal Parliament, we will support SJS leaders and we will make sure that their concerns towards the amendment of the Media Law are heard. We will invite SJS to bring their input.”

Senator Jama told the audience at the event that majority of Somali parliamentarians believe that freedom of the press is a vital component of the Somali Federal Constitution and that any restrictive laws against press freedom will not be endorsed under their watch. 

Senator Naima Ibrahim, a member of Somalia’s Upper House, who spoke on the launching event hailed the leadership of the Somali journalists Syndicate in their journey in defending the journalists’ freedoms and trade union rights and noted that the doors of the Federal parliament will be open for engagement.

 “We support SJS leaders in their journey to journalist’s rights and trade union rights, however we want female journalists’ rights be on the top of the agenda.” Senator Naima Ibrahim said, “As members of Somali Federal Parliament, our doors are open for your engagement. We will listen to you and will help Somali journalists”

Said Adan Mire, Director of Labor Affairs at Somalia’s Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, has noted the poor working conditions of the journalists and the Somali workers in general and highlighted the upcoming Labor law will enforce media houses to pay decently their workers including journalists and camera operators and technicians.

”The government is working on Minimum Wages Act which will enforce media houses to pay a descent pay to their journalists. Our Ministry is committed to implement this law once it is amended,” Said Adan Mire, Director of Labor Affairs at Somalia’s Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs “We understand that Somali journalist are least paid among other professions. That has to change. My call to SJS leadership is to make sure that all media houses enforce formal contracts with their employees and pay decent salaries.”

At the end of the launching event, parliamentarians, Ministry of Labor officials, journalists including female reporters and camera operators and members of SJS joined for a call to press freedom and trade union rights.

The congress calls:

  • Unity among journalists and media workers,
  • Authorities to guarantee independence of the media,
  • Bring media legislation in line with the provisional Federal Constitution and international human rights standards,
  • Repeal laws criminalizing the dissemination of critical reporting,
  • Safety and protection for endangered Somali journalists,
  • To protect the rights of the journalists through proper job contracts.
  •  Authorities to be mindful that a free and fearless media is the only solution to a health society.

Shirweynihii Ururka SJS oo lagu soo gabagabeeyay Muqdisho, laguna doortay hoggaanka ururka

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Shirweynihii Ururka Suxufiyiinta Soomaaliyeed SJS oo lagu soo gabagabeeyay Muqdisho, laguna doortay hoggaanka ururka
Shirweynihii Ururka Suxufiyiinta Soomaaliyeed SJS oo lagu soo gabagabeeyay Muqdisho, laguna doortay hoggaanka ururka.

MUQDISHO, Soomaaliya, 22 June, 2019 – Shirweynihii Ururka Suxufiyiinta Soomaaliyeed (Somali Journalists Syndicate SJS) ayaa Sabtidii shalay lagu soo gaba-gabeeyay hotel Xayaat ee magaalada Muqdisho. Waxaana shirweynaha lagu soo bandhigay hoggaanka cusub ee loo doortay in ururka ay hoggaamiyaan.

Maxamed Ibraahim Bakistaan, oo ah suxufi rug-caddaa ah ayaa loo doortay inuu noqdo Guddoomiyaha ururka SJS, iyadoo Guddoomiye ku xigeenka loo doortay Cumar Siciid Maxamed (Cumar Dheere).

Xoghayaha Guud, Ururka Suxufiyiinta Soomaaliyeed (SJS), Cabdalle Axmed Muumin
Xoghayaha Guud, Ururka Suxufiyiinta Soomaaliyeed (SJS), Cabdalle Axmed Muumin.

Xoghayaha Guud ururka SJS ayaa loo doortay Cabdalle Axmed Muumin oo ah wariye hadda la shaqeeya Wargeyska the Guardian. Ururka ayaa sidoo kale doortay xubno guddi fulin oo ka kooban 7 ruux.

Xafladdii gaba-gabada Shirweynaha ayaa waxaa ka qeybgalay xildhibanno ka tirsan Aqalka Sare ee Baarlamaanka Federaalka Soomaaliya, Wasaaradda Shaqada iyo Arrimaha Bulshada Xukuumadda Federaalka Soomaaliya, xubnaha bulshada rayidka, haweenka, maamullada warbaahinta iyo wariyaal.

Xoghayaha Guud ee ururka SJS Cabdalle Axmed Muumin ayaa gaba-gabadii ku dhawaaqay baaq ku aad adhowrista xuquuqda iyo xorriyadda suxufiyiinta Soomaaliyeed oo hadda la sheegay inay soo wajahday xaalado caburin iyo amni darri ah.

Xildhibaan Nadiir Jaamac, oo ah Guddoomiyaha Guddiga Aqalka Sare, Baarlamaanka Federaalka Soomaaliya.
Xildhibaan Nadiir Jaamac, oo ah Guddoomiyaha Guddiga Aqalka Sare, Baarlamaanka Federaalka Soomaaliya.

Xildhibaan Nadiir Jaamac, oo ah Guddoomiyaha Guddiga Aqalka Sare, Baarlamaanka Federaalka Soomaaliya ugu qaabilsan Warfaafinta, Arrimaha Bulshada iyo Dhaqanka ee Aqalka Sare ayaa isaguna ballanqaaday in ururka SJS iyo wariyaasha xubnaha ka ahba kaalin laga siin doono inay talo ka dhiibtaan Xeerka Saxaafadda Soomaaliyeed oo hadda horyaalla Baarlamaanka Federaalka, kaasoo ay ku jiraan qodobbo xayiraad iyo ganaax ku soo rogaya warbaahinta.

Xildhibaan Naciimo Ibraahim Yuusuf, oo ka tirsan mudanayaasha Aqalka Sare, Baarlamaanka Federaalka Soomaaliya.
Xildhibaan Naciimo Ibraahim Yuusuf, oo ka tirsan mudanayaasha Aqalka Sare, Baarlamaanka Federaalka Soomaaliya.

Waxaa sidoo kale munaasabadda ka hadlay isla markaana Ururka SJS hambalyeeyay Xildhibaan Naciima Ibraahim Yuusuf, Siciid Aadan Mire oo ah Agaasimaha Waaxda Shaqaalaha ee Wasaaradda Shaqada iyo Arrimaha Bulshada ee Xukuumadda Soomaaliya iyo wakiil ka socday Dallada Jilayaasha Aan Dowliga Ahayn ee SONSA.

Maxamed Cadceed, agaasime ka tirsan Dalladda Jilayaasha Aan Dowliga Ahayn ee SONSA.
Maxamed Cadceed, agaasime ka tirsan Dalladda Jilayaasha Aan Dowliga Ahayn ee SONSA

Two-Day SJS Founding Congress kicks off in Mogadishu

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SJS congress meeting banner

PRESS STATEMENT

MOGADISHU, Somalia, 21 June, 2019 – Founding members of the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) gathered in Mogadishu for a two-day General Congress, vote for the Constitution, approve strategic action plan for 2019 – 2022, the budget and elect the office bearers.

The delegates who traveled from various regions from Somalia unanimously voted for the constitution, adopted Strategic action plan, approved the budget and membership form and elected 7 executive committee members who will lead SJS in the next five years.

EXCOM Members:

1- Mr. Mohamed Ibrahim Isak (Bakistaan), former New York Times Somalia correspondent – President

2- Mr. Omar Mohamed Said Mohamed (Omar Dhere), Horseed Media editor – Vice President

3- Mr. Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, freelance reporter of the Guardian and former Wall Street Journal Somalia correspondent – Secretary General4

4- Mr. Abdullahi Ali Abdulle (Fanah), Horyaal Sports editor – Admin and Treasurer

5- Mrs. Fathi Mohamed Ahmed, Goobjoog TV anchor – Secretary of Labor

6- Mrs. Nafiso Hersi Oogle, women media campaigner and Universal TV reporter – Secretary of Gender and Public relations

7- Mr. Mohamed Ibrahim Osman (Bulbul), Somalia-based Al-Jazeera English contributor – Secretary of Information and Human Rights

8- And Abdirahman Hassan Omar was nominated as Legal Advisor.

During the Day 1 Congress Meeting, approved new members filled the Membership Form officially joining into SJS as full members.

Mr. Mohamed Ibrahim (Bakistaan),  who was elected in absentia thanked for the founding congress for electing him in absentia, underscoring the profound experience in trade union activity and press freedom.

”I am honoured to accept to be elected as SJS President” Mohamed Ibrahim said while taking part the conference via telephone, ”This is very important day for Somali journalists and I hope that our commitment and working together as a group will make a difference in Somalia’s looming press freedom.”

Mr. Omar Said Mohamed (Omar Dhere), newly elected SJS Vice President has thanked the Congress for their commitment towards defending press freedom in Somalia.

”There is no other time important than today to stand for the rights of the journalists and the media operation in Somalia. SJS stands to be at the forefront in advocating for a better and safer working environment for journalists,” Omar Dhere said.

SJS Secretary-General, Mr. Abdalle Ahmed Mumin has called for unity among journalists as he also called for the authorities to guarantee independence of the media, bring media legislation in line with the provisional Federal Constitution and international human rights standards, and repeal laws criminalizing the dissemination of critical reporting.

”Somali journalists  have endured a lot. They need protection and safety. We call authorities to be mindful that a free and fearless media is the only solution to a health society.” Mr. Mumin said during his closing speech.

”The new media law currently on the table of the Federal Parliament should guarantee freedom of the press as enshrined in the Federal Provisional Constitution.” he added.

Shortly after the election, the Executive committee of the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) has held a side meeting on Friday afternoon with a group of Somali photojournalists and camerapersons who congratualed the newly elected SJS officials and presented the challenges they have faced in their day-to-day duties.

The two-day Congress meeting will be concluded on Saturday afternoon at Hayat Hotel in Mogadishu during which the official launch will be held. Among the dignitaries invited to the launch of the Somali Journalists Syndicate include leading civil society organizations, media representatives, journalists and government officials.

War-saxaafadeed Wadajir ah: FCAEA and SJS oo si wadajir ah u cambaareeyay xadgudubyada ka dhanka Suxufiyiinta Soomaaliya

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(19 JUNE 2019 – NAIROBI, Kenya/MOGADISHU, Somalia) The Foreign Correspondents’ Association of East Africa (FCAEA) iyo Ururka Suxufiyiinta Soomaaliyeed ee SJS waxa ay si wadajir ah u cambaareynayaan gaboodfallada ka dhanka Suxufiyiinta Soomaaliya.

Foreign Correspondents’ Association of East Africa (FCAEA) iyo Ururka Suxufiyiinta Soomaaliyeed waxa ay si weyn uga walaacsan yihiin xaalada ka sii dareysa ee xorriyadda Saxaafadda Soomaaliya, oo ay ku jirto is-hortaag tebinta wararka goobaha dhibaatada ka dhacdo iyo hanjaabadda loola jeedo in lagu caburiyo xorriyadda Saxaafadda.

15 Juun, Ciidamada Booliska ayaa xabbadu kor ugu riday weriyayaal, isla markaana ugu hanjabay dil haddii ay isku dayaan in ay warar ka tebiyaan goobaha qaraxyada. Sidoo kale, Ciidamada boolisku waxa ay saacado xireen xabsiga u taxaabeen labo saxafi oo u shaqeynayay telefishinka Shabelle xili ay ku jireen shaqo.

Dhacdooyinkan ayaa dhacaya xili gabood-falada ka dhanka suxufiyiinta sida xarig, caga-jugleyn ay sii kordhayaan.

Xorriyadda saxaafaddu waxa ay laf dhabar u tahay bulsho walba oo furfuran ama dimuqraadi ah, sidaa ay tahay suxufiyiinta Soomaaliya waxa ay nafsadooda qatar weyn u geliyaan sidii ay shacabka wararka ugu soo tebin lahaayeen.

Maalintii Talaadada, 18 Juun, Booliska Somaliland waxa ay xireen Telefishinada madaxa banaan ee Horyaal 24 iyo Eryal oo ka howlgala magaalada Hargeysa, arrimo la xiriira warar ay baahiyeen oo ku saabsan ciidamada amaanka Somaliland.

The FCAEA iyo SJS waxa ay welwel ka muujiyeen warbixinada cusub ee sheegaya in warfidiyeeno dhowr ah laga jabsaday barihii ay ku lahaayeen facebook, qaaarkoodna gebi ahaanba laga xiray.

Waxaan ugu baaqeynaa dowladda inay u ogolaato suxufiyiinta inay gutaan shaqooyinkooda baqdin iyo cagajugleyn la’aan.

Waxaan sidoo kale ugu baaqeynaa bulshada caalamka inay cadaadis ku saaraan dowladda Federalka iyo maamulka Somaliland inay difaacaan, isla markaana ay baaritaan dhab ah ku sameeyaan gaboodfallada ka dhanka ah xorriyadda saxaafadda.

War-saxaafadeedkan waxaa si wadajir ah u soo wada saaray FCAEA and SJS

JOINT STATEMENT: FCAEA and SJS jointly condemn the recent harassment of journalists in Somalia

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(19 JUNE  2019  – NAIROBI, Kenya/MOGADISHU, Somalia) The Foreign Correspondents’ Association of East Africa (FCAEA) and Somali Journalists Syndicate condemn the recent harassment of journalists in Somalia.

The Foreign Correspondents’ Association of East Africa (FCAEA) and the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) are extremely concerned by the deteriorating press freedom in Somalia, including restrictions on journalists reporting from blast sites and threats meant to curtail media freedom.

Police fired live ammunition in the direction of journalists and threatened those attempting to report at a bomb site in Mogadishu on Saturday, June 15, 2019. The police also briefly detained two journalists of Shabelle TV as they were filming the city centre on Sunday, June 16.

These incidents follow an increasingly hostile attitude towards journalists in Somalia, who are facing arrests, harassment, and intimidation.

Freedom of the press is a vital component to any open society, and journalists in Somalia often put themselves at great risk in order to inform the public.

On Tuesday, June 18 Somaliland police shut down two independent TV stations, Horyaal 24 and Eryal TV in Hargeisa, over critical reporting about security forces.

The FCAEA and SJS are also alarmed by new reports that the facebook accounts of multiple Somali journalists were recently hacked, and some shut down.

We call on authorities to allow journalists to carry out their work without fear and intimidation.

We also urge the international community to insist that the Somali government and Somaliland authorities protect journalists and investigate the gross infringements on free press.

Jointly made by FCAEA and SJS

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