During the Friday protest, SJS and SOMA leaders joined journalists and editors to march on the main Maka al-Mukarama street in Mogadishu as they strongly condemned the merciless shooting of journalist, Shireen Abu Akleh.

“We are mourning today in solidarity with our brothers and sisters of Al-Jazeera Network as the mourn for the loss of their colleague journalist, Shireen Abu Akleh, who was brutally targeted and killed in Jenin on Wednesday, 11 May, 2022. She was clearly wearing her ‘PRESS’ vest when she was killed,” Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, the Secretary-General of Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) said. “Journalism is not a crime. We condemn the Israeli forces who killed Shireen Abu Akleh. We call for an independent investigation to bring the killers to book.”

“We are in shock that even journalists who wear clearly marked vests with ‘PRESS’ logo are targeted and shot dead. We condemn this attack as an attack against all journalists in the world,” Mohamed Osman Makaran, the Secretary-General of Somali Media Association (SOMA) said. “There is no any state that can act above the law. Israeli forces who killed Shireen Abu Akleh must be held accountable.”

Female journalists also joined the protest calling the murder of Shireen Abu Akleh as violation of international laws and norms.

“Any attack on a journalist in unacceptable. Female journalists have particularly targeted in many places in the world. We are mourning for the death of Shireen Abu Akleh. We want to see justice for her family and the perpetrators are held accountable,” female senior journalist Filsan Abdirahman said while addressing the media covering the protest in Mogadishu.

“An attack on a single journalist is an attack on all journalists. That is why we are protesting today here in Mogadishu. Those who shot dead journalist, Shireen Abu Akleh, must be held accountable even if they try to cover it up,” Samira Abdiaziz, a female freelance journalist told reporters.

SJS and SOMA extend their sincere condolences to the family of Shireen Abu Akleh in Palestine, and her Al-Jazeera colleagues around the world.

Attacks on Somali journalists continued in the first four months of 2022. SJS and SOMA statistics from January to April 2022 show 37 arrests throughout the country. Majority of the journalists’ detentions took place in Somaliland (23 detained). Three journalists (Mohamed Abdi Ilig of MM TV, Abdirahman Ali Khalif of Gobonimo TV and Abdijabar Mohamed Hussein of Horn Cable TV) are currently incarcerated in Somaliland after they were detained on 13 April for reporting the Hargeisa prison shooting. Hirshabelle State detained seven journalists, Galmudug arrested three while police in Mogadishu detained four reporters.

SJS and SOMA raise their grave concern on the illegal access of journalists’ phones by Somaliland intelligence officers. About seven of the recently detained journalists confirmed that intelligence officers have beaten them and demanded each of the journalists to surrender passwords of their phone devices enabling officers to access journalists’ social media accounts, phone communication logs and emails.

We also condemn the restrictions and blocking of independent media and journalists seeking to observe and report on the process of the indirect elections in Somalia as we express serious concern at the repression and threats against journalists dealing with allegations of irregularities, harassment of candidates, bribe-giving and looting of seats in Mogadishu and in the federal Member States.

Journalists in Mogadishu, Hirshabelle, the South West, Jubbaland, Puntland and Galmudugu have faced systematic restrictions as they have been denied access to information related to the electoral process, monitoring of polling stations and also investigating profiles of candidates running for parliamentary positions. 

Electoral authorities in Mogadishu and regional states have used security forces, including National Intelligence and Security Agency officers, federal and regional police officers, as well as election staff, to prevent journalists from covering the election campaigns of opposition candidates and allegations of delegate-buying and malpractices including phony contestants, barring access and right to contest of certain candidates.

During the recent election of the Somali Parliament Speaker, Haramcad police officers and officials from Villa Somalia blocked and threatened journalists accessing the Afisyoni hangar in Mogadishu. Officers who carried this blatant violation are still carrying out their duties without any accountability.

“Today, marking World Press Freedom Day in Somalia is a reminder for authorities that they should respect press freedom and protect journalists. Somali leaders – whether in Mogadishu or in the federal member states or in Somaliland – failed to uphold their commitment to press freedom and protection of journalists,” Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, the Secretary General of Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) said “A free press and access to information are a human right that contributes to a society built on accountability and transparency. We demand accountability for those who involved in the violations against press freedom.”

“As we mark World Press Freedom Day, SJS and SOMA strongly condemn the attacks and violations against media freedom and the journalists. We call Somaliland authorities to free three jailed journalists in Hargeisa,” Mohamed Osman Makaran, the Secretary General of Somali Media Association (SOMA) said.

On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, SJS and SOMA would like to urge members of the international community to continue to advocate for the protection of journalists in the country and support media freedom as part of their efforts to build a peaceful, stable and democratic Somalia.

On midday on Wednesday, Somaliland police and officers from the intelligence service arrested ten journalists: Mohamed Abdi Ilig (senior journalist and director of MM TV); Mohamed Jamal Jirde (MMTV cameraman); Hassan Galaydh (BBC Somali reporter); Sagal Mustafe Hassan (Voice of America reporter); Ahmed Nur Samrawi (Bulsho TV reporter);  Ahmed Mohamud Yusuf (Saab TV reporter); Naima Abdi Ahmed (Caro Edeg Media reporter); Ahmed Said Hassan Shimali (Horn Cable TV reporter); Aidarus Mohamed (Goobjoog TV reporter) and Hamzew Abdi Hayd (CBA TV reporter) as they were covering the shooting incident at the Hargeisa central prison.  Some of these journalists were reporting live from outside the prison facility.

Police officers accompanied by intelligence unit officers later raided Horn Cable TV studio in the city centre of Hargeisa and detained six more journalists who were reporting about the prison gunfire: Abdijabar Mohamed Hussein (Horn Cable TV reporter); Mohamed Suldan Ahmed (Horn Cable TV reporter); Khalid Mohamed Aleeli (Horn Cable TV reporter); Ayanle Abdi Buni (Horn Cable TV reporter); Mustafa Muhumed Abdi (Horn Cable TV cameraman) and Abdifatah Mohamud Ismail (Horn Cable TV cameraman).

Among the 16 detained journalists, two are female. Seven of them are detained in the headquarters of the national intelligence service while the rest were held at the central police station.  Police also confiscated journalists’ camera equipment and phones as part of the crackdown on the journalists reporting on the prison shooting, according to journalists and human rights defenders in Hargeisa.  

Late on Wednesday night police released Voice of America’s Sagal Mustafe Hassan and Naima Abdi Ahmed of Caro Edeg Media, according to colleagues and family members who spoke to SJS and SOMA. The reason of their release is not yet clear.

When contacted, Somaliland police and the Ministry of Information declined to speak on the journalists’ mass arrest. However, Head of the Somaliland Custodial Corps, Ahmed Awale told state television that they “would seek legal means against the journalists” who covered the prison incident.

SJS and SOMA strongly condemn the mass arrest of journalists in Hargeisa. While we welcome the freedom of Sagal Mustafe Hassan and Naima Abdi Ahmed, we also call Somaliland authorities to unconditionally free other group of journalists in jail including Abdisalan Ahmed Awad who is held incommunicado since 3 April 2022.

SJS and SOMA reiterate their call to Somaliland authorities that they must understand that journalism is not a crime and it is not a terrorism. It’s an important cornerstone of freedom and democracy. The attempt by Somaliland authorities to control news and information – particularly incidents with public interest – violate the guarantees enshrined in Somaliland Constitution and the international law, in particular, Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

“We condemn this mass arrest of journalists in Hargeisa. Already into the fourth month of 2022, Somaliland leads the list as the worst journalists’ jailer among all other regional states. This spike in arrests of journalists in Somaliland shows an escalating crackdown on media freedom in that region,” Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, the Secretary-General of Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) said “Somaliland authorities must immediately and unconditionally release all detained journalists and stop intimidating journalists and media crew for carrying out their journalistic duties.”

“Arrests, repression, and intimidation of journalists have become commonplace in Somaliland. We are concerned that the situation is even became worse to an extend journalists are now telling us that they are not safe” Mohamed Osman Makaran, the Secretary-General of Somali Media Association (SOMA) said. “We demand that the perpetrators of these crimes be held accountable for their crimes against journalists and media outlets. We call all the journalists in detention be freed without condition.”

On the commemoration of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists (IDEI), SJS and SOMA today released its statistics on the number journalists killed in Somalia for the past five years. Since February 2017, 12 journalists were killed in Somalia— three in 2017; four in 2018; two in 2019; two in 2020; and one in 2021— making the country one of the most dangerous places for journalists across the globe. For the seventh year in a row, Somalia has maintained the ignominious world title for impunity towards crimes against journalists as journalists’ killers roam free.  

All the slain journalists were practicing their noble profession by covering stories that carry bitter truth which their killers did not want to be revealed.

Among the worst unresolved cases involve a Somali police officer who shot dead a 19-year-old Abdirizak Qasim Iman who was returning from a normal assignment at the SIMAD University in Mogadishu when he shot him on the head resulting Abdirizak’s demise on 26 July, 2018. Today, three years later, Abdirizak’s murder remains unresolved as the killer police officer is yet to be apprehended while, according to government sources, he continues to be on government payroll.

On 1 March 2021, gunmen shot and killed independent journalist Jamal Farah Adan in Puntland-controlled part of Galkayo, Mudug region. Al-Shabaab had claimed the responsibility of the killing. However, a promise by Puntland authorities to investigate and apprehend the perpetrators was not implemented even though media reports of suspects’ arrests.

In September last year, Somalia’s Attorney-General has announced a little-known about appointment of “a special prosecutor” for crimes against journalists and promised to open investigations of journalists killed in the country, which remains to be the highest in Africa. SJS investigations show that no single prosecution related to journalists’ murderers took place since the appointment of this special prosecutor. To the contrary, federal and regional officials have waged their war on journalists and media houses.

Over 60 journalists were arrested from January to October, 2021. Majority of these arrests were arbitrary detentions by the police or the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) that took place in Mogadishu, Puntland, Jubbaland, Galmudug and Somaliland. Three reporters were physically assaulted and injured including gunshots and three others beaten. Five media houses were raided during this period. Dozen others were harassed intimidated and even denied access to information in Mogadishu and in the regional states.

SJS and SOMA remind the international community not to fail its role in the protection of media freedom and journalists’ human rights. The international community cannot be a mere spectator to the grave violations against media freedom and human rights. They must re-measure its accountability mechanisms and ensure that violators must not escape justice.

“Our joint call today aims to commemorate and remember all our slain colleagues while it serves as a strong reminder that getting justice for all fallen journalists depends on the safety of the living journalists. Holding perpetrators accountable would send a strong message to the criminals that they will one day be punished for their crimes against journalists,” Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, the Secretary General of Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) said.

“We reminds federal and regional authorities in Somalia of their responsibilities to end the impunity that has thrived in the country and to ensure that victims and their families get proper justice. We want safety. We want protection so that we can continue our journalistic work without fear. Impunity for crimes against journalists must end now,”Mr. Mumin added.

“It’s sad reality that families of our colleagues killed in the line of duty are seeking justice but unfortunately our government does not want to ensure this to happen. We know perpetrators include officials but denying victims to get justice is mire terrible than everything else. We ask Somali government to end the impunity for crimes against journalists. We also demand safety and protection for the media workers,” Mohamed Osman Makaran, the Secretary General of Somali Media Association (SOMA) said.

On Saturday 2 September, Somaliland police officers detained Mowlid who reports for the Facebook news page Halbeeg Media and held at the Lasanod police station before he was freed later in that day without charge. The journalist was taking photos as police conducted forceful evictions of non-locals targeting ethnic southern Somali persons living in Lasanod city. The operation saw hundreds including women, children and elderly persons forcibly evicted from their homes and businesses in Lasanod, a city controlled by Somaliland and transferred to Puntland.

“The police beat, punched and kicked me. The confiscated my equipment. I was held the Lasanod police station until 3.00pm in the afternoon. There were others held in my cell which was very filthy,” Mowlid said who confirmed that his equipment was returned upon his release.

SJS and SOMA are concerned the ongoing harassment and threats against local journalists in Lasanod by the police. Journalists told SJS and SOMA that they received threats from Sool regional police commissioner Col. Ahmed Abdillahi Abdi after covering police operation targeting ethnic southern Somali persons in Lasanod.

“We condemn the arbitrary detention of journalist Mowlid Ismail Diged in Lasanod on Saturday. While Mowlid is now free, he and other colleagues continue to face threats and intimidation by the police in Lasanod,” Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, the Secretary General of Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) said. “Journalists have told us that they cannot report the human rights violations committed by Somaliland police officers in Lasanod including ethnic profiling and forceful evictions of a large population from Lasanod because of their ethnicity. We call Somaliland authorities and those in Lasanod to allow journalists carry out their work independently, investigate those responsible for arresting and threatening journalists and hold them accountable.”

“We strongly condemn the Somaliland police actions targeting journalist Mowlid Ismail Diged and other colleagues who have been threatened by the police. Human rights violations committed by Somaliland police including arresting, beating and threatening journalists should not go unpunished,” Mohamed Osman Makaran, the Secretary General of Somali Media Association (SOMA) said. “Local media in Lasanod and their journalists are vital voice for the defenceless civilians whose rights are being violated. They should be also protected.”

Maanta, munaasabadda Maalinta Caalamiga ah ee Helitaanka Xogta waxaa laga xusayaa adduunka oo dhan halka warfidiyeenka iyo xarumaha warbaahineed ee Soomaaliya ay wajahayaan halis aad u daran. Helitaanka macluumaadka ayaa muhiim u ah awood u siinta muwaadiniinta inay adeegsadaan codkooda, inay si hufan ula socdaan oo ula xisaabtamaan dowladdooda. Markay warbaahinta iyo suxufiyiintu awoodaan inay helaan oo soo sheegaan wararka danta guud, waxay ka caawin doontaa muwaadiniinta inay go’aan ka gaaraan arrimaha saameeynaya noloshooda. Si kastaba ha ahaatee, mas’uuliyiinta federaalka Soomaaliya iyo kuwa dowlad -goboleedyadeeda ayaa sii wada inay xaddidaan shaqada suxufiyiinta iyo warbaahinta si ay xog u helaan, iyagoo xira una hanjaba weriyayaasha dalka oo dhan.

25kii Sebtembar, Booliska Soomaaliya iyo saraakiil ka tirsan Hay’adda Sirdoonka iyo Nabadsugidda Qaranka (NISA) ayaa hor istaagay suxufiyiin tebinayay qarax baabuur oo ismiidaamin ah oo ka dhacay bar-koontarool oo ciidamada ammaanku ku leeyihiin isgoyska Ceel-Gaabta, Muqdisho. Sida ay sheegeen suxufiyiinta ay arrintan saameeysay, ciidamada ammaanka ayaa jidgooyo dhigtay meel u dhow goobta uu qaraxa ka dhacay waxayna u diideen weriyayaasha inay muuqaallo ka duubtaan goobta uu qaraxu ka dhacay.

24kii Sebtembar, maamulka Jubbaland ayaa demiyey shabakadaha isgaarsiinta maxalliga ah ee Kismaayo kaddib markii bam lagu dhaawacay masuul urur dhallinyaro oo dowladda gacansaar la leh iyo wiilkiisa. Shirkadaha bixiya adeegga isgaarsiinta mobeelka iyo bixiyeyaasha adeegga internetka ayaa lagu qasbay inay demiyaan shabakaddooda galabnimadii Khamiista 23ka Sebteembar illaa subaxnimadii Jimcaha 24ka Sebtember taasoo wiiqaysa badqabka iyo inay suxufiyiinta helaan macluumaadka ay u baahan yihiin.

18kii Sebtembar, Guddoomiyaha Baarlamaanka Dowlad Goboleedka Hirshabeelle, Cabdixakiim Luqmaan Maxamed ayaa si cad ugu amray ciidamada ammaanka inay “ddmiyaan tebinta tooska ah ee telefishannada” intii lagu guda jiray doorashada Aqalka Sare ee Baarlamaanka Federaalka ee magaalada Jowhar. Ammarka Guddoomiyaha, oo aan la dhaqan gelin, ayaa yimid kaddib rabshad ka dhacday gudaha baarlamaanka oo sababtay in la hakiyo codeyntii dhacday maalintaasi 18 -kii September.

15kii Sebtembar, saraakiil ka tirsan milateriga Soomaaliya oo ay la socdeen rag maleeshiyo ah oo ku sugnaa deegaanka Abbay Dhaxan ee duleedka Muqdisho, ayaa weeraray, oo garaacay laba weriye oo ka tirsan Goobjoog Media Group – Maxamed Axmed Rooraaye iyo Sharma’arke Cabdinuur Wehliye – oo loo xilsaaray inay soo tebiyaan aaska dadkii ku dhintay qarax ismiidaamin ah oo ka dhacay Muqdisho maalin ka hor. Saraakiisha iyo ragga dableyda ah oo aan la aqoonsan ayaa joojiyay gaari ay weriyayaasha iyo dad kale ku safrayeen, waxayna si gaar ah u bar-tilmaameedsadeen suxufiyiinta iyagoo weerar gacan ah ula tagay, garaacay uguna hanjabay inay dili doonaan.

SJS iyo SOMA waxay xusuusinayaan mas’uuliyiinta heer federaal iyo heer gobolba inay garwaaqsadaan in hor istaagga xaqa saxafiyiinta inay helaan macluumaad, la weeraro, xannibaadda tebinta warbaahinta iyo in la xiro isgaarsiinta inay tahay xadgudub ka dhan ah xuquuqda aadanaha.

“Waxaa lama huraan ah in mas’uuliyiinta Soomaaliya ay fahmaan oo ay ixtiraamaan xuquuqda war -helidda, xorriyatul -qawlka iyo xorriyadda saxaafadda oo ah xuquuq dastuuri ah iyo waliba xuquuq caalami ah. Xuquuqdan waa in aan lagu xadgudbin,” ayuu yiri Cabdalle Axmed Mumin, Xoghayaha Guud ee SJS. “Xuska Maalinta Caalamiga ee Helista Xogta darteed, waxaan cambaareyneynaa dhacdooyinkan ugu danbeeyay oo ah kuwa tilmaamaya sida helitaanka warka iyo macluumaadka ugu adkaaday suxufiyiinta xilli ay socoto doorashada baarlamaanka ee dalka.”

“Annagoo u dabbaaldegeynna Maalinta Caalamiga ah ee Helitaanka Xogta, waxaan fursaddan uga faa’iideysanayaa inaan xasuusiyo dowladda federaalka iyo dowladaha xubnaha ka ah federaalka inay mas’uul ka yihiin inay ilaaliyaan warbaahinta iyo xirfadlayaasheeda iyagoo kuwa xadgudubyada saxaafadda geynaya maxkamadaha,” Maxamed Cismaan Makaraan, Xoghayaha Guud ee SOMA ayaa yiri. “Warbaahinta iyo suxufiyiinta waa in aan loo beegsan in ay shacabka wargeliyaan. Dhaqankan isla xisaabtan la’aanta waa inuu joogsadaa.”

Today IDUAI is celebrated around the world while journalists and media stations in Somalia are facing extreme threats. Access to information is critical for enabling citizens to exercise their voice, to effectively monitor and hold their government to account. When media and journalists are able to receive and report about public interest information, it will help citizens decide about issues that affect their lives. However, the Somali federal authorities and its regional states continue to restrict journalists and media access to information, detain and threaten reporters across the country.

On 25 September, Somali Police and officers from the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) blocked journalists covering a suicide car bombing at a security checkpoint at El-Gabta junction, Mogadishu. According to the affected journalists, security forces mounted a roadblock near the blast scene and refused journalists to film the blast site.

On 24 September, Jubbaland switched off local telecommunication networks in Kismayo after a bomb injured a government-allied youth leader and his son. The mobile telecom companies and internet service providers were forced to switch off their networks from Thursday afternoon 23 September – Friday morning 24 September undermining safety and media access to information.

On 18 September, Hirshabelle State Parliament Speaker, Abdihakim Luqman Mohamed had publicly ordered security forces to “switch off live TV coverage” during the Federal Parliament’s Upper House elections in Jowhar. The Speaker’s announcement, which was not implemented, came following a brawl inside the parliament that led to the suspension of the 18 September voting.

On 15 September, Somali military officers accompanied by local militia men in Abbay Dhahan area on the outskirts of Mogadishu, attacked and beaten two Goobjoog Media Group journalists – Mohamed Ahmed Roraye and Sharma’arke Abdinur Wehliye – who were on assignment to cover the burial of victims killed in a suicide explosion in Mogadishu the day before. The officers and the unidentified gunmen stopped a vehicle in which journalists and others were travelling and singled out the journalists before attacking, beating and threatened to kill them.

SJS and SOMA remind authorities at both federal and regional states level to realise that denying journalists’ access to information, attacking them, blockage of media coverage and shutting down telecommunications is a human rights violation.

“It is essential that Somali authorities to understand and respect the right to information, freedom of expression and press freedom as a constitutional right and also a universal right. These rights must not be violated,” Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, the Secretary General of Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) said. “On the commemoration of IDUAI, we condemn these latest incidents which indicate how access to information had become hard for journalists amid the parliamentary elections in the country.”

“As we celebrate the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI), I take this opportunity to remind the federal government and the federal member states that they have responsibility to protect the media and its professionals by bringing those who commit press violations to courts,” Mohamed Makaraan, the Secretary General of Somali Media Association (SOMA) said. “Media and journalists should not be targeted for only informing the public. This culture of impunity must stop.”

In an event held in Mogadishu, SJS Secretary General and SOMA Secretary General signed the 18-article document with the presence of SJS and SOMA officials, media managers and journalists.

SJS and SOMA also announced that other media and journalists’ networks are free to join in this endeavour in order to ensure free and stable press in Somalia.

“Today, on behalf of Somali Journalists Syndicate and the entire Somali media fraternity, I am glad to sign this important Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with our colleagues from the employers’ association —the Somali Media Association. This gives our two organisations the strength to collaborate and defend media freedom and work hand-in-hand in advocating for journalists’ rights. it will also pave the way for ensuring gender equality, professionalizing media and improving the quality of the media content,” Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, SJS Secretary General said.

“Carrying out media development, press freedom and freedom of expression requires complex and extensive collaboration which involves national, regional and international actors. That is why SJS and SOMA have been working jointly since last year and we have achieved many successes in defending journalists’ and media rights. Through this new partnership, we hope to achieve even more,’ added Mr. Mumin.

“It is a historic day for the quest of free and independent press in Somalia. SOMA reiterates its commitment towards media freedom. Somali journalists and media houses have suffered a lot and they are facing even more threats than ever,” Mohamed Osman Makaran, SOMA Secretary General said. “Partnership with SJS will give protection to journalists, improve their safety and protect freedom of the press. Indeed, this partnership means to ensure increased impact for our joint efforts that our two organisations have been doing together.”

Below is the translated version of the Memorandum of Understanding signed by SJS and SOMA today:

1) Defending and advocating for media freedom, freedom of expression and the right to access to information.

2) Promoting an independent, sustainable and stable media in Somalia.

3) Improving the skills of media workers and enhancing their professional capacity.

4) Improving the quality of the local media content to reflect the needs and interests of the Somali people before, after and during the elections.

5) Ensuring media safety and security of journalists and staff in order to safely carry out their duties.

6) Improving working conditions of the journalists and improving their rights in terms of wages and other rights such as leave, health insurance and workplace security.

7) Strengthening media and journalists’ professionalism and their independence, and ensuring that media houses and their journalists are free from all interference and so that media institutions can fulfil their obligations towards achieving positive social change and better communities in Somalia.

8) Providing legal protection for journalists and media outlets whenever they are attacked as a result of their journalistic work.

9) Protecting the rights of women journalists in employment and equal pay and ensuring gender equality in the newsrooms.

10) Protecting the freedom of the press and preventing all forms of censorship.

11) Encouraging journalists working for SOMA member media houses to participate in SJS membership drive and advocating for trade union rights within the media houses.

12) Supporting the media outlets and journalists in distress, threatened or attacked, and participating in media freedom campaigns when needed.

13) Assisting media outlets in formulating and enforcing the Code of Conduct for Journalists and the Code of Safety.

14) Developing editors’ guide to protect freedom of expression and editorial content in accordance with international standards of freedom of expression.

15) Assist editors, managers and journalists across Somalia in building their professional capacity through training, workshops and other educational programs.

16) Creating a platform where knowledge, experience and other key information necessary for development can be shared between media managers and editors.

17) Assisting women journalists in taking up key management positions in the media outlets.

18) SJS and SOMA will collaborate and partner with other international organisations to defend the freedom of the media, journalists and their development and enhancement of the Somali media landscape.

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Madaxda ururrada warfidiyeenka, kuwa warbaahinta iyo agaasimayaasha warbaahinta madaxa-bannaan ayaa si wadajir ah walaac uga muujiyay bayaan uu dhowaan soo saaray Wasiirka Warfaafinta Soomaaliya Cisman Abokor Dubbe u diray xubnaha beesha caalamka isagoo ku weydiistay taageero ku aadan dhaqan-gelinta Xeerka Warbaahinta ee caburinta iyo faafreeb ku soo rogaya warbaahinta iyo weriyayaasha Soomaaliya. Waxay cambaareeyeen isku dayada masuuliyiin ka tirsan Wasaaradda Warfaafinta ee lagu doonayo in lagu wiiqo shaqada saxaafadda madaxa-bannaan xilliga doorashooyinka.

Cabdalle Axmed Mumin, Xoghayaha Guud ee SJS ayaa caddeeyay in xorriyadda hadalka iyo tan saxaafadda ee dalka ay hadda mareyso meel adag, ayna weriyeyaashu wajahayaan faafreeb ku saleysan handadaad. Mr. Mumin ayaa sheegay in weerarkii ciidamada amniga ku qaadeen weriye  Cabdullaahi  Kulmiye Caddow oo ka tirsan  Radio Kulmiye uu ahaa weerar qorsheysan oo ka dhan ah warfiyeennada Soomaaliyeed oo dhan.

“Nasiib darro, halkii aan ka fileynay inay wax isbeddellaan, Dowlada Soomaaliya iyo saraakiisheeda amniga waxay sii wadaan beegsiga warfidiyeenka madaxa-bannaan si maalinle ah. Ma garanayo sida warbaahintu u awoodi doonto warar  xaqiiq ah oo dhex-dhexaad ah ay dadweynaha ugu gudbin karaan haddii aysan weriyayaashu helin badbaado,”  ayuu yiri Mr.  Mumin.

Mar uu ka hadlay qoraalka uu Wasiirka Warfaafintu u qeybiyay hay’adaha taageera saxaafadda iyo safaaradaha beesha caalamka qaarkood, wuxuu Mr. Mumin ku baaqay in Wasaaradda Warfaafintu joojiso dhaqangelinta Xeerka Warbaahinta ee caburinta ku ah warbaahinta xilligan doorashada lagu jiro.

“Waxaan ku baaqeynaa in wadatashi iyo dib u eegis  dhameystiran oo daacad ah lagu sameeyo  Xeerka Warbaahinta. Anagu waxaan diyaar u nahay inaan talo ku biirino sidii Xeerkan looga saari lahaa qodobada halista ku ah warbaahinta,” ayuu sii raaciyay Mr. Mumin.

Maxamed Cabduwahaab Cabdullaahi, Xoghayaha Guud ee (SOMA) ayaa tilmaamay muhimadda midnimada iyo is-garab taagga ee warbaahinta Soomaaliyeed billaabeen xilligan xasaasiga ah.

“Amniga saxafiyiinta ayaa ah midka ugu muhimsan waqtigan adag ee dalku ku jiro. Xeerka Warbaahinta waa halista ugu weyn ee aan maanta wajaheyno. Waxaan dalbaneynaa in la joojiyo oo laga furo dib u eegis,” ayuu sii raaciyay Maxamed Cabduwahaab “Midnimo ayaan ku wajaheynaa sidii aan u difaaci lahayn xuquuqdeena.”

Mowliid Maxamed Urur, Agaasimaha Kalsan TV, oo ah telefishan madax-bannaan oo labo weriye laga dilay afartii sano ee u dambeysay, ayaa muujiyay walaac weyn oo uu ka qabo amniga iyo badqabka wariyaasha iyadoo aysan Dowladda rabin inay difaacdo saxaafadda, balse dhanka kale dooneysa inay xeerar qalafsan u adeegsato caburinta wartebinta warbaahinta.

“Ma jiri doonto warbaahin madax-bannaan iyo weriyayaal xor ah haddii Xeerka Warbaahinta sidiisa lagu dhaqangeliyo,” ayuu sii raaciyay.

Cabdifataax Xasan Axmed, Guddoomiyaha Ururka Weriyayaasha Baahiyaha Gaarka Qaba ayaa muujiyay sida uu ugu niyad-jabay tacadiyada aan la isu xisaabin ee lagu hayo warfidiyeenka guud ahaan.

“Dhaqanka laaluushka iyo hanjabaadaha ee ka dhanka ah saxaafadda ayaa sii socda. Waxaan soo jedinaynaa in la joojiyo si deg deg ah,” ayuu yiri Abdifatah.

Burhan Diini Faarax, agaasimaha Radio Kulmiye ayaa sheegay in faafreebka lagu hayo warbaahinta uu soo batay maadaama waqtiga doorashada loo sii dhowaaday, taasina ay culeys amni oo run ah ay saartayweriyayaasha. Wuxuuna ku taliyey in xarumaha warbaahinta iyo ururrada ay si dhow uga wada-shaqeeyaan difaacidda xorriyada hadalka.

Xasan Maxamuud, agaasimaha Goobjoog Media ayaa ku taliyey in warbaahinta ay adkeysi muujiyaan iyadoo dhanka kalena lasii wadayo halganka loogu jiro difaaca xorriyadda saxaafadda.

Xasan Kaahiye, agaasimaha SOM News TV ayaa isaguna caddeeyay baahida loo qabo saxaafad runta abbaarta xilligan oo kale, kana shaqeysa danta dadweynaha.

“Warbaahinta dadweynaha ee maanta ka jirta Soomaaliya waa warbaahinta gaarka ah. Caburinta ka dhanka  ah warbaahinta gaarka ah waxay halis ku tahay baahida dadweynaha ay u qabaan inay helaan warar dhex-dhexaad ah oo xaqiiqada ku saleysan,” ayuu yiri Mr. Kaahiye.

Ka qeybgalayaasha ayaa kulankan ku soo gaba-gabeeyay shir jaraa’id oo lagu shaaciyay qodobada soo socda:

• Dowladda Federaalka Soomaaliya iyo Maamul Gobolleedyada waa inay joojiyaan beegsiga ay ku hayaan warfidiyeenka oo ay ka mid tahay xarigga, isla markaana loo ogolaado warbaahinta inay helaan helista xogta muhiimka u ah dadweynaha.

• Dowladda Soomaaliya waa inay furtaa dib u eegis Xeerka Warbaahinta, isla markaana la hakiyo dhaqan-gelinta qodobada caqabadda ku ah xorriyadda warbaahinta iyo tan weriyayaasha eek u jira Xeerkan waqtiga doorashooyinka si saxaafadda shaqadeeda u gudato.

• Waa in hay’adaha dowladda iyo madaxda sare qaadaan tallaabooyin deg deg ah oo lagu dhowrayo badqabka warfidiyeenka, digniinna loogu dirayo kuwa dhibaateeynaya weriyayaasha. Waana in baaritaan lagu sameeyo dhammaan weerarada lagu qaaday weriyayaasha oo ay ku jiraan dilalka.

• Beesha caalamka waa inay taageerto badbaadinta xorriyadda hadalka, ayna ku cadaadiso Dowladda Soomaaliya iyo hay’adeheeda amniga inay ka fogaadaan caburinta warbaahinta madaxa-bannaan.

• Beesha caalamka waa inaysan taageerin tallaabooyinka lagu dhibaateynayo xorriyadda hadalka oo ay ku jirto tallaabooyinka uu dhowaan billaabay Wasiirka Warfaafinta ee ku saleysan caburinta, handadaadda iyo faafreebka.

• Beesha caalamka waa inay taageerto kor u qaadista xorriyadda hadalka iyo amniga weriyayaasha ka hor iyo kaddib waqtiga doorashooyinka.

• Waa in dhammaan qeybaha siyaasadda iyo bulshada u aragto shaqada warbaahinta madaxa-bannaan mid muhiim u ah hannaanka  dowlad dhisidda dal sida Soomaaliya oo kale ah oo kasoo kabanaya colaad dheeraatay.

Leaders of journalists associations and independent media organisations have expressed their concern over a recent statement by the Somali Minister of Information, Mr. Osman Abokor Dubbe to the members of the international community appealing for support for the implementation of the oppressive Media Law. They condemned the efforts by officials of the state security agencies and the Ministry of Information to undermine the work of the independent media during the electoral season.

Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, Secretary General of the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) stated that freedom of expression and that of the press are at a critical juncture as journalists continuously face growing level censorship and other threats mainly by the state security agencies. Mr. Mumin noted the recent raid and detention of Radio Kulmiye journalist Abdullahi Kulmiye Addow was a blatant attack against the freedom of the press.

“Unfortunately, rather than improving, the situation is now going to worse. State security agencies and government officials continue to target independent journalists on a daily basis. I am concerned how the media will be able to provide accurate and impartial information to the public if journalists are not safe,” Mr. Mumin said.

Mr. Mumin called for the Ministry of Information to impose moratorium on the implementation of the certain provisions within the Media Law that threaten the media freedom and should not be used during the election.

“We call for a comprehensive consultation and an honest inclusive review into the Media Law. We are ready to contribute our advice so that Somalia can have media law that is inline with the Somali Constitution and the international human rights standards,” added Mr. Mumin.

Mohamed Abduwahab Abdullahi, Secretary General of the Somali Media Association (SOMA) hailed the importance of the unity and solidarity among the media houses and the journalist associations that has begun at this critical time.

“The safety of journalists is a paramount importance at this difficult time ahead of the elections.  The draconian Media Law is the biggest threat we face today. We call for its amendment and it should not be used during the election period in order to safeguard the freedom of the media and independent coverage,” Mr. Abdullahi said.

“Even as we are continuously harassed and threatened, we will never rest from fighting for our constitutional rights,” adds Mr. Abdullahi.

Mowlid Mohamed Urur, Director of Kalsan TV, an independent television station that has lost two journalists in the past four years, has expressed grave concern about the safety and security of journalists amid a prolonged culture of impunity.

“The other threat is that there will be no independent media and free journalists if the Media Law is implemented as the way it is,” he added.

Abdifatah Hassan Ahmed, chairman of the Disability Journalists Association, expressed his frustration with the countless abuses against journalists in general.

“The practice of bribery and threats against the media continues. We are fed up by the level of intimidation and suppression. We call for this to stop,” Abdifatah said.

Burhan Diini Farah, the Director of Radio Kulmiye, described how the censorship against the media had increased ahead of the election season, putting a real security concern on the journalists.

“A free and fearless journalism is vital for Somalia’s state-building. We would like to remind authorities that we could never be silenced,” said Mr. Farah “At this time, I strongly advocate for close cooperation between our media houses and our unions like SJS and SOMA to defend freedom of expression together.”

Hassan Mohamud, director of Goobjoog Media praised the resilience of Somali media and its journalists.

“We have come from far, but we still need to continue fighting for media freedom and our rights as journalists without fear or favour,” Mr.  Mohamud said.

Hassan Kahiye, director of SOM News TV, also highlighted the need for impartial media coverage at this time for the public interest.

“The only reliable media in Somalia today is the independent private media houses. Any attempt to undermine the private media will adversely threaten the public’s need for fair and truthful information. We call for all local and international partners to stand for the safeguarding of the independent media in Somalia,” Mr. Kahiye said.

Participants wrapped up the meeting with a press conference announcing the following:

• Federal Government of Somalia and its Member States should stop threats against journalists, including arbitrary arrests, and grant journalists and media access to information particularly before, during and after the elections for the interest of the public.

• Somali government should allow the consultative process of review of the Media Law, and while doing that a moratorium should be imposed on the implementation of certain provisions that impede the freedom of the media and journalists during the electoral season.

• State security agencies and senior government officials should take immediate steps to ensure the safety of journalists and warn those who threaten or target journalists. Investigations should also be opened for all of cases of attacks against journalists including killings.

• The international community should support the protection of the freedom of expression, and pressure the Somali authorities and its security agencies to refrain from targeting the independent media and journalists.

• The international community should not support measures that undermine freedom of expression, including the recent repressive measures taken by the Minister of Information meant to censor and intimidate independent media houses.

• The international community should support the promotion of freedom of expression and security of journalists before and after the elections.

• Everyone in the political and social spheres should regard the work of the independent media as a vital part of the state-building process in Somalia.