FESOJ Elected to Leadership Role in East African Press Councils at Arusha Summit
Mogadishu, July 17, 2025: A delegation from the Federation of Somali Journalists (FESOJ) attended the 2nd Pan-African Media Councils’ Summit, held from July 14 to 17, 2025, in Arusha, Tanzania.
Mr. Ahmed Mohamed Ali (Sharif) and Ms. Habiba Mohamud represented FESOJ at the summit, which brought together media council representatives, journalists’ associations, and press freedom advocates from across the African continent and beyond.
The main objectives of the gathering included promoting media self-regulation, strengthening press freedom and professional journalism standards, and fostering collaboration among African media institutions.
H.E. Dr. Philip Isdor Mpango, Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania, officially opened the summit, highlighting its significance as a key event for media professionals and regulators across Africa.
The summit hosted more than 150 guests from Africa, Asia, and Europe.
The meeting coincided with the 30th anniversary of Tanzania’s media sector, the launch of the East African Press Council’s strategic plan, and the establishment and launch of the 2nd Pan-African Media Councils.
The three-day summit, themed “Advancing Media and Communication Regulations for Journalism Excellence in Africa,” brought together key stakeholders to reflect on the future of journalism, reimagine regulatory frameworks, and strengthen public trust and professionalism in the media industry.
In his welcoming remarks, Ernest Sungura, Chairperson of the Network of Independent Media Councils in Africa (NIMCA), emphasized the urgent need for innovative regulatory approaches that effectively respond to emerging challenges such as artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and content moderation—while upholding African values.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Tawfik Jelassi, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Communications, warned against growing threats to media freedom and public trust caused by technological disruption and financial instability.
He called for increased support and funding for media councils, stressing that no single institution can uphold media integrity alone. He advocated for collaborative efforts that balance innovation with ethical standards.
The summit also marked the first Annual General Meeting of NIMCA, providing a platform to consolidate efforts in promoting independent media regulation across Africa.
Delegates participated in high-level panel discussions, technical workshops, and a Policy and Power Ministers’ Roundtable, which included ministers from Tanzania and Zambia.
Throughout the summit, participants explored critical issues shaping today’s media environment, including the impact of artificial intelligence on journalism, the importance of data protection and digital privacy, strategies to combat misinformation and disinformation, and the need to advance diversity and inclusion within media institutions.
During a special meeting of the East African Press Councils (EAPC), Mr. David Omwoyo, Chief Executive Officer of the Media Council of Kenya, was nominated as the new Chairperson, succeeding Mr. Kjubi Mukajanga, Executive Director of the Media Council of Tanzania.
Uganda was entrusted with the position of Executive Director. Additionally, Ms. Habiba Mohamud, Gender Secretary of the Federation of Somali Journalists (FESOJ), was appointed as the Treasurer of the East African Press Councils (EAPC).
