FESOJ and SOMWA Host Panel Discussion on Press Freedom and Journalist Protection in Somalia
Mogadishu, Friday, July 11, 2025: In partnership with the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Somalia, the Federation of Somali journalists (FESOJ) and the Somali Media Women Association (SOMWA) has jointly Co-hosted workshop meeting on Press Freedom and the Protection of Journalists in Somalia.
The one -day panel discussion meeting program has been held at the European Union Diplomatic Compound in Mogadishu, Somalia on Tuesday, July 8, 2025.
Thirty persons representing journalists, media managers, civil society groups, media stakeholders, and relevant authorities such as the Ministry of Information and international partners including UNDP were the key participants in the workshop meeting.
The event aiming to discuss how to uphold and protect the freedom of media and journalism in Somalia was began with welcoming address by Mr Carsten Carlsen, Chargé d’Affaires of Norway to Somalia and highlighted the significance topic of the dialogue intending to improving a free, responsible press and ensuring a safe working environment for media professionals.
“We believe that this is a very important topic., a free and independent press is absolutely vital to a vibrant democracy. Somalia is on the path to introduce genuinely democratic elections.” He pointed out
On his part, Abdullahi Hayir Duale, Director General of Ministry of Information has encouraged the fruitful panel discussion meeting on the Press Freedom and the Protection of Journalists in Somalia. He pointed out the event is focusing on both the independent media and the state media. He emphasized the need to adhere to the media law which could be amended when necessary.
Furthermore, Ms. Maryan Seylac, Executive Director of SOMWA has made keynote speech in regard to the theme on ”Gendered Threats to Press Freedom: The Unique Risks Faced by Women Journalists in Somalia.”
“While all Somali journalists operate under significant risk, women journalists face an additional gendered burden, when we speak up, we are ashamed, when we push bounders, we are threatened and we reject advances we are punished.” Marian Seylac described
In addition, Farah Omar Nur, Secretary General of FESOJ, was a major speaker and addressed the topic of “Legal Protections and Institutional Reforms for Journalists in Somalia.”
“There is need for institutional reform of journalist-related bodies in order to establish a safe and independent environment in which journalists can work freely. “Farah Omar Nur highlighted.
Generally, the main points of discussion by the panelists and the participants focused on: -the recent media crackdowns and their implications, advocate for stronger protections and legal reforms and promote ethical journalism and the role of the press in a democratic society.
In conclusion, Safa Mohamed, moderator of the panel discussion proceedings appreciated all the participants for being part of the dialogue on Press Freedom and the Protection of Journalists in Somalia. “We heard powerful stories, identified urgent challenges and discussed meaning solutions.” She stated.
She expressed special gratitude to FESOJ, SOMWA, the Norwegian Embassy in Somalia and everyone who made the event possible.
In his closing remarks, Mr Carsten Carlsen, Chargé d’Affaires of Norway to Somalia thanked all for the participation and indicated the session was good and ended well, and appreciated FESOJ and SOMWA for the excellent cooperation.
