The Federation of the Somali Journalists (FESOJ) has released a damning report on Somalia’s annual press freedom report 2022 on the horn of Africa journalists and the media fraternity in Somalia which normally presents a summary of key incidents and trends of violations, responsible perpetrators, analysis by region and also present recommendations on how to improve the safety and welfare of journalists in Somalia.
As part of FESOJ’s mandate, it carries out regular research, monitoring and documentation of Journalists incidents and trends of violations meted against the press, the media workers, media outlets as well as other members of the media fraternity.
This vital work, which is carried out on daily basis internally and in collaboration with other partners – local media rights defenders and development partners – is geared towards promoting the safety and protection of Somali journalists.
The egregious released report therefore serves to provide an overall, rich picture understanding of the situation of press freedom in Somalia during the reporting period.
The FESOJ listed some key incidents which negatively impacted on Journalists in Somalia. The report indicated that in 2021 and 2022, cases of violations against the media rose sharply. Most violations targeted journalists engaged in the day to day reporting activities in the field. This included coverage of election related activities such as constituent gatherings, protests, candidate press events and finally, reporting on security incidents which has heightened during the volatile election period.
In all these situations, the Federation of Somali journalists (FESOJ) has recorded numerous uncalled for, heavy-handed response from various local law enforcement agencies. Police and other security agencies such as NISA carried out brutal clamp downs on press freedom including physical assaults against reporters, violent raids on media outlets, arbitrary detentions, inflicting damage on press equipment’s, frequent harassment and intimidation aimed at silencing the free press.
Since 2017, 15 Somali journalists were killed and according to CPJ, Somalia’s fatalities represents more than half of all journalists murdered in Africa.
Also In the period between May, 2021 to May, 2022 – FESOJ has recorded a total of 98 violations – and out of these, 1 journalist was killed, 53 were arrested, 37 suffered violent beatings, injuries or harassment, 7 media outlets were affected by raids, temporary closure and damage to property. 16 journalists and media workers, in various regions had reported to FESOJ about direct threats to their lives, including regular harassment by local authority officials – in most cases, these were reprisals related to their journalistic reporting.
The report comes amidst yesterday’s annual marking of world press freedom day which was marked globally to celebrate journalists and press freedom.
On this year’s occasion of the World Press Freedom Day in Somalia, the United Nations in Somalia has emphasized on the vital role that the country’s media play in Somali society and the need to ensure their ability to carry out their work safely and freely.
BY OSMAN HUSSEIN ALI
(osmanhusseinke@gmail.com)
