FESOJ Marks World Press Freedom Day Highlighting Media Freedom in Somalia
Mogadishu, Saturday, May 3, 2025 — In collaboration with the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS), the Federation of Somali Journalists (FESOJ) organized a one-day event to mark World Press Freedom Day, in focus with discussion on the state of press freedom in Somalia and WPFD 2025 theme. The event took place at Beerta Nabadda (Peace Garden) in Mogadishu.
This year’s World Press Freedom Day, observed annually on May 3, provided an opportunity to explore the evolving impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on journalism and media under the theme “Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media.” The event sought to highlight AI’s transformative potential while critically examining its associated risks to press freedom.
Opening the event, Farah Omar Nur, Secretary General of FESOJ, emphasized the importance of World Press Freedom Day as an opportunity to reflect on the challenge’s journalists face in Somalia and around the world. He noted that the day also served to highlight the need for an informed approach to AI, which is reshaping the media landscape. He further stressed that journalists must be equipped with a thorough understanding of the legal frameworks and ethical standards governing their profession.
The event began with a comprehensive presentation outlining the history of World Press Freedom Day, first recognized in 1993 by the United Nations. The presentation underscored the day’s significance as a reminder to governments about their responsibility to safeguard press freedom, while celebrating the principles of free expression, promoting the safety and independence of media professionals, and honoring those who have lost their lives in the pursuit of truth.
The panel discussion that followed was enriched by a diverse group of speakers, including Major Abdifatah Adan Hassan, Spokesperson of the Somali Police Force; Duniya Mohamed Ali, Civil Society Representative; Nadiya Suufi, Women’s Rights Activist; MohamedKafi Sheikh Abukar, Director of Somali National Television (SNTV); and Ahmed Ainab, Journalist and University Lecturer. Together, the panelists provided a balanced analysis of the implications of AI for journalism, emphasizing its dual nature as both an opportunity and a challenge.
The discussion explored how AI is transforming media practices, acknowledging both its potential for enhancing efficiency and its risks to journalistic integrity. Panelists highlighted the need for regulatory frameworks to manage AI’s use, particularly in combating digital misconduct, while stressing the importance of training journalists in AI tools to ensure ethical and responsible reporting. They also called for renewed attention to protecting journalists’ rights and safety as technology evolves.
In his closing remarks, Farah Omar Nur reaffirmed the significance of World Press Freedom Day as a global occasion to advocate for the protection of press freedom, to honor journalists who have been harmed in their work, and to call upon governments to ensure the legal protection of media professionals. He noted that since its establishment in 1993, World Press Freedom Day has continued to serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of a free and independent press.
As part of the event, FESOJ distributed brochures that highlighted key messages about the importance of press freedom. The printed slogans, including “Without a Free Press, There’s No Free World,” “Journalists Are Not Targets — They’re the Voice of the People,” “Truth Needs Defenders. Stand with the Press,” “The Pen is Mightier — When It’s Free,” and “Global Voices, One Message: Press Freedom Now,” were prominently displayed throughout the venue.
The event concluded with a collective display of solidarity at Beerta Nabadda, where participants walked together, displaying the printed messages as a powerful visual reminder of the media’s central role in a free society. This gesture reinforced the critical need for continued advocacy in support of press freedom and the protection of journalists’ rights, both locally and globally.
