The Jubbaland Association of Journalists (JAJ) Executive Committee have today paid a courtesy call to the First Vice President of Jubbaland state of Somalia, Mohamud Sayid Aden.
The JAJ Executive Committee discussed with the Vice President how the Jubbaland state government should speed up the development of the draft media law in Jubbaland, which is currently under development.
The JAJ Executive Committee also discussed relevant topics, including the freedom and independence of the press, reporters’ access to information from the presidency, parliament and all other relevant government agencies.
While thanking the JAJ Executive Committee members for their visit, the Jubaland Vice President praised the democratic process by which the organization’s leadership was elected in October 2021, saying that he had closely monitored and was quite impressed by the democratic process by which Jubbaland journalists picked the leadership of their union.
The Jubbaland first Vice President also urged the organization’s leadership to diligently and equally represent journalists’ interests.
He stated that the Jubaland’s constitution protects press freedom and independence, and that the government is committed to encouraging press independence and allowing journalists to carry out their duties freely.
He further emphasized the importance of free expression and information access, while also stating that the Jubaland government stands by its commitment.
“The media is crucial because it is the only thing that connects the Somali nation to the rest of the world. When discussing government powers in the press, it is said that it is the fourth power, though it is now also said that it is the first power but in today’s modern world, the role of the media cannot be denied,” Said Jubbaland state First Vice President.
“The press freedom and privilege is a constitutional issue. There is a ministry in charge of press affairs and you can share any difficulties or impediments that the press has encountered. We are always ready to support you, encourage you, defend your dignity, and empower you with the ability and knowledge to lead your society to a better place,” Added the Jubbaland first Vice President.
On his part, Secretary General of the Journalists Association of Jubaland (JAJ), Abdullahi A. Mohamed thanked the Jubbaland Vice President for his hospitality and underscored the critical importance of the meeting saying its a step in the right direction for the Jubbaland press.
“It is with great pleasure that the First Vice President of Jubaland, Mr. Mohamud Sayid Aden, received the JAJ executive committee today in his office, where we discussed how the Jubaland government would encourage freedom of the press and make it easier for journalists to access information, how cooperation between the media and government institutions would be strengthened, and how journalists’ rights and freedom would be protected,” said Abdullahi A. Mohamed.
He further added that the Jubbaland Association of Journalists’ leadership is committed to advocating for journalists and representing their interests in every important office in Jubbaland regional state of Somalia.
