Somalia Observes the International Day Against Impunity, Urging Justice and Journalist Protection

Commemoration for Journalists in Somalia Sparks a Strong Plea for Justice

MOGADISHU, Somalia – In a remarkable gathering on November 2, 2024, the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), backed by UNESCO and the Global Media Defence Fund (GMDF), observed the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists. This heartfelt ceremony honored Somali journalists who laid down their lives in pursuit of the truth and rallied for accountability and action against impunity. The event saw a show of unity as journalists, government figureheads, and international allies joined forces.

Working under the banner “Justice for Journalists,” the event embraced an air of contemplation and determination. NUSOJ’s Secretary General, Omar Faruk Osman, set the tone with a poignant declaration: “Somali journalists are unyielding. They have braved peril for the truth, and we owe it to them to ensure their sacrifice endures. Justice demands action, and impunity cannot linger.” He poignantly noted, “A future for Somalia is unimaginable without the shield of free and secure journalism.”

Next, a solemn tribute was paid as the names of 62 journalists, victims over the last decade and a half, were reverently read. The recitation reverberated across the venue, etching forever onto the memory the high price paid for truth-telling in Somalia’s intricate narrative. The attendees honored this loss with a moment of reflection, deeply acknowledging the personal and professional burden faced by the journalism community there.

Distinguished speakers from the global community contributed to the sense of solidarity, firmly advocating for press freedom. British Ambassador Mike Nithavrianakis recognized the vital contribution of reporters to democratic societies. “Despite daunting challenges and outright dangers, Somali journalism continues to flourish, whether through national outlets, regional broadcasts, or independent influences online that add color to Somalia’s media landscape. The UK unwaveringly backs media freedom worldwide. In Somalia, where journalists contend with stark threats of violence, it’s pivotal that we, the international community, rally behind these courageous men and women. We’re steadfast in defending press freedom,” expressed Ambassador Nithavrianakis.

Echoing this stance, Swedish Ambassador Joachim Waern condemned the perilous working conditions confronting Somali reporters, fraught with intimidation, arrests, and violence. He emphasized the year’s strong commitment, noting that those responsible must face justice to change this grim reality. He said, “Sweden, with its storied tradition of rigorous journalism and open regulations, focuses on initiatives to protect journalists’ rights and safety, enhancing their work environment and supporting advocacy for stronger legal protections.”

In a fervent address, U.S. Ambassador Richard Riley declared, “The United States stands resolute beside you in dismantling impunity. We’re dedicated to backing endeavors that hold offenders accountable and creating a secure, liberated environment for journalists. With partners like UNESCO and NUSOJ, we’re pressing to ensure media professionals can operate without the specter of retribution hovering over them.” Riley stressed, “Reflecting alone cannot suffice. These moments must inspire actionable change. Supporting reforms to guard media freedoms—aligning with international benchmarks—demonstrates our shared commitment to free expression. We must solidify partnerships among the government, the press, civil society, and global allies, collaboratively breaking down impunity’s barriers.”

Delivering the federal government’s statement, Minister Farah Sheikh Abdulkadir acknowledged, “Addressing impunity isn’t merely an objective; it’s crucial. Impunity gnaws at justice’s core principles. Therefore, Somalia’s undertaken active steps to bolster our legal systems, promote accountability, and fortify protections for those risking everything to bring us journalism. We’re building fortified frameworks enabling our judicial bodies to investigate and prosecute transgressions against journalists effectively.” He added that collaboration among the government, media, and international partners remains critical to tackling misinformation’s profound challenges.

Following the official ceremony, an intensive panel titled ‘Breaking the Cycle of Impunity’ convened leaders from Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the UN to discuss impunity’s impact on Somalia’s media freedoms. The panellists dissected the threats facing journalists, underscoring the need for shared efforts to foster an environment conducive to journalistic safety. Strategies for holding harm-doers accountable sparked a lively debate on Somalia’s media future and the significance of legal safeguarding.

The day’s momentum carried into the launch of a four-day Investigative Journalism Training Workshop. Led by Arnaud Froger from RSF, this workshop aimed to arm Somali journalists with practical prowess in probing crimes against media practitioners. “Investigative journalism plays a pivotal role in exposing crimes against journalists and keeping accountable those responsible. This workshop aims to equip Somali reporters to safely pursue these critical stories,” remarked Froger, sketching out the workshop’s mission.

Participants, including journalists from Mogadishu and Somalia’s federated states, received training on documenting violence, leveraging digital security tools, and identifying patterns of attacks. The workshop also provided insights into safeguarding sensitive information, ensuring fact-based coverage, and bolstering advocacy efforts. Through immersive simulations and real-world case studies, journalists practiced these techniques, fostering a deeper grasp of the risks and duties entailed in covering violence against their peers.

This investigative workshop echoes NUSOJ’s broader mission with UNESCO’s Global Media Defence Fund support: translating remembrance into tangible actions to combat the culture of impunity overshadowing crimes against journalists. By equipping local journalists with essential tools to hold offenders accountable, the program aims to keep media violence prominent in public discourse, ensuring justice is served and advocacy remains at the forefront.

Source: NUSOJ