FESOJ Representative Attends Presentation of Arusha Declaration II to EAC Secretary General
Mogadishu, September 15, 2025: The Federation of Somali Journalists (FESOJ) joined regional counterparts in presenting the Arusha Declaration II to the Secretary General of the East African Community (EAC) at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania on 12 September 2025.
Originally adopted by the East Africa Press Councils (EAPC) on 15 July 2025, the Arusha Declaration II commits to developing an East Africa Media Protocol to harmonise media operations across the region. It complements existing EAC frameworks on trade, customs, education and the free movement of people, proposing harmonised media policies, mutual recognition of accredited journalists, and stronger regional collaboration in line with digital transformation and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.
Led by Chairperson David Omwoyo, the EAPC delegation delivered the Declaration to EAC Secretary General H.E. Veronica Nduva. H.E. Nduva welcomed the initiative, stressing that a harmonised media environment will strengthen regional integration and amplify the EAC’s development agenda. EAC Legal Counsel Denis Kibirige advised that once the framework is developed, it will be presented to the Council of Ministers and the Summit of Heads of State for adoption.
The EAPC delegation included Ernest Sungura (Media Council of Tanzania), Emmanuel Mugisha (Rwanda Media Commission), Paulo Ekochu (Media Council of Uganda) and Habiba Alasow Mohamud (Treasurer of the EAPC and Gender Secretary of FESOJ), who attended on behalf of FESOJ.
Arusha Declaration II offers an opportunity to strengthen journalism in Somalia and across the region, with a focus on press freedom, professional standards and the empowerment of Somali journalists. The Declaration provides a platform for advocacy, legitimacy and capacity-building opportunities through the EAC framework.
FESOJ stands ready to work with colleagues in the East Africa Press Councils to ensure that Somali journalists benefit from the opportunities created by this Declaration. A harmonised media environment can strengthen press freedom and open doors for training, accreditation and safety for Somali media practitioners.
