Somali journalists and media organisations, together with the IFJ-affiliate NUSOJ, are sounding the alarm on the dire penalties of the government-appointed Media Council’s members, that may tighten the state management over the media, revoking media licences and fining journalists who’re crucial of the federal government.
Clause 14 of Somalia’s amended media regulation, handed in 2020, states that the Nationwide Media Council ought to be unbiased from political and authorities interference.
“The journalists group was shocked to discover a former senator among the many 9 names introduced to the Council of Ministers, blatantly compromising the Council’s independence and credibility and exposing it to political affect,” reads NUSOJ’s assertion following the announcement that sparked outrage amongst journalists’ and media organisations within the nation.
The media regulation mandates that the formation of the Media Council ought to contain consultations among the many Minister of Data, media organisations, NUSOJ and civil society, amongst others. These didn’t happen.
Media house owners, managers, and journalists of unbiased media shops got here collectively on 17 March in Mogadishu to sentence the illegal institution of the Nationwide Media Council and referred to as on the Somali president, Hassan Sheikh Mahmud, to make sure that the proper procedures are adopted earlier than signing it right into a presidential decree.
NUSOJ Secretary Common Omar Faruk Osman mentioned: “Having beforehand raised alarms in regards to the repressive provisions inside this amended media regulation, we’re totally astounded to witness the choice of its 9 members by way of such an illegal course of. Whereas we acknowledge the presence of some colleagues inside these 9 who possess real credibility and integrity within the media, it’s past perception that nominations had been made in full violation of the regulation.”
IFJ Common Secretary, Anthony Bellanger acknowledged: “Press freedom and pluralism are at risk in Somalia if the composition of the Nationwide Media Council is accredited as it is going to develop the state management over the media. We again the calls for of our affiliate NUSOJ and media organisations within the nation to make sure that the amended 2020 media regulation is revered and press freedom is upheld.
