by BRIAN ORUTA
Monday November 4, 2024
NUSOJ secretary general Omar Faruk Osman addresses the media alongside journalists at an event to mark the International Day to End Impunity against Journalists in Mogadishu [HANDOUT]
The Government of Somalia and Envoys in the country have now called for increased media safety.
This is even as they committed to ensure journalists in the country operate in a secure environment.
In remarks made by the Minister of Education, Culture and Higher Education Farah Sheikh Abdulkadir, eradicating impunity is necessary for the state.
He said that the government is aware impunity weakens the foundation of justice and democracy.
“Tackling impunity is not just a goal for us; it is a necessity. We recognise that impunity undermines the very foundations of justice and democracy,” Farah said.
He made the remarks as the country marked the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists.
The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), with support from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and its Global Media Defence Fund (GMDF), hosted a national commemoration on November 2, where Somalia journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty were honoured.
The day was themed theme “Justice for Journalists.”
According to NUSOJ secretary general Omar Faruk Osman, impunity against journalists must end.
He lauded the courage of journalists in Somalia saying that it is unmatched.
“The courage of Somali journalists is unmatched. They have risked their lives for the truth and it is our collective duty to ensure their sacrifices are not in vain. Justice must prevail and impunity must end.
“Somalia has no future without free and safe journalists.”
Over the last 15 years, at least 62 journalists have been killed in the line of work.
Several envoys who were present at the event reiterated calls for a safer working environments for the country’s scribes.
British Ambassador to Somalia, Mike Nithavrianakis, spoke on the indispensable role journalists play in democracy.
He noted that despite many challenges, media in the country continues to grow.
“Despite the challenges and the very real dangers you face, Somali media continues to thrive, whether through national outlets, regional radio, or indeed the growing number of independent influencers online who are adding to the rich tapestry of Somalia’s media scene. The UK is a steadfast supporter of media freedom across the world,” Nithavrianakis said.
His US counterpart Richard Riley said his government fully supports journalists and an end to impunity.
“The United States stands with you in the fight against impunity. We remain committed to supporting efforts to hold perpetrators accountable and to building a safer, freer environment for journalists. Through partnerships with organisations such as UNESCO and NUSOJ, we are working to ensure that media professionals can carry out their essential work without fear of retaliation.”
Swedish Ambassador Joachim Waern, further stated that the shared responsibility of the international community in tackling impunity.
He stressed that bringing perpetrators to justice is essential in changing this situation and highlighted Sweden’s longstanding support for Somali journalists.