Mogadishu, Somalia July 31, 2026: The Federation of Somali Journalists (FESOJ), in partnership with the Finnish Foundation for Media and Development (VIKES), has successfully concluded one-day meeting to launch initiative for mapping and registration of Somali journalists in exile, returnees and internally displaced. The meeting took place on July 30, 2026 in Mogadishu, Somalia.
The meeting brought together participants including exiled, returnees and internally displaced journalists comprising of editors, reporters and freelances. Representatives from the Safe Reporters of Somalia (SRS), and FESOJ were also in attendance of the meeting. The initiative was aimed to map and register Somali journalists in exile, returnees and internally displaced and support their professional reintegration into Somalia’s media sector.
Speaking at the opening session, Farah Omar Nur, Secretary General of FESOJ highlighted the significance of the initiative is to identify and document journalists who have been displaced or returned, creating a reliable database for engagement and support.
Subsequently, Ahmed Ali Mohamed Sharif, Head of FESOJ’s Training Department has facilitated presentation session detailing that in partnership with VIKES, the Federation of Somali Journalists (FESOJ) will be implementing program mapping Somali journalists returning from exile, returnees and displaced and support their professional reintegration into Somalia’s media sector.
In welcoming speech, Wali Hashi, VIKES Somalia Program Coordinator stated that its important to register the local reporters, and advised it’s better to produce stories featuring at least the experiences of three journalists for publication on websites. “There are individuals who are not genuine journalists; this needs to be clarified.” He pointed out.
On his part, Mohamed Mohamud Adde, Senior Media Expert and FESOJ Consultant (one of the diaspora returnees) emphasized the importance to register the returning journalist and identify their needs, and to provide training so they can return back to the journalism profession.
During the discussions, participants welcomed the initiative and emphasized the importance of collecting comprehensive data on both active and missing Somali journalists. They encouraged journalists returning from exile to cooperate, foster unity, and establish a strong communication network to support their professional reintegration.
Participants also highlighted that many journalists working in different regions of Somalia remain undocumented and that their identities are not captured in existing records. They recommended that media organizations develop a comprehensive database to facilitate the identification, registration, and tracking of journalists across the country, thereby strengthening coordination, representation, and access to support services.
Closing the meeting, Farah Omar Nur commended the commitment to establish a secure digital platform and a verified database for Somali journalists returning from exile, returnees, and internally displaced journalists. He encouraged the participants to contribute to producing a comprehensive mapping report with key findings and recommendations to support their professional reintegration and strengthen Somalia’s media sector.
The meeting forms part of FESOJ’s media development program implemented with the support of the Finnish Foundation for Media and Development (VIKES) to strengthen professional journalism and promote a more credible, ethical, and resilient media sector in Somalia.
