Media Landscape Report Unveils Ongoing Repression, Calls for Swift Action on World Press Freedom Day

The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) commemorates World Press Freedom Day by unveiling its latest State of the Media Report. This document, a stark reflection of the struggles faced by journalists in Somalia, exposes the pervasive repression that remains deeply rooted in the fabric of society.

Now in its 14th edition, this annual report stands as the most thorough and reliable account of media freedom violations in the region. It meticulously documents heinous acts against journalists, revealing systemic threats that stifle independent journalism across Somalia. The question looms: how can a nation progress when its storytellers are silenced?

A noteworthy glimmer of hope emerges from the report: for the first time since 2005, no journalist lost their life in 2024. However, this milestone is overshadowed by the grim reality that the media continues to face aggression from both state and non-state actors. The battlefield isn’t always marked by guns; often, it is a quiet war waged through intimidation and fear.

Over the past year, countless journalists have been blindfolded, detained without due process, physically assaulted, and silenced for simply doing their jobs. These acts are not mere statistics; they represent a chilling reality where fear and censorship dictate the landscape of media. When a journalist is gagged, who speaks for the voiceless?

The report chronicles 25 serious violations against media freedom, with a staggering number of these involving unlawful arrests and detentions. Law enforcement, instead of being a shield, morphs into a tool of intimidation and oppression. This poses the unsettling question: when does a safeguard devolve into a weapon against the very freedoms it is meant to protect?

Among the regions spotlighted, North Western State of Somalia emerges as the most perilous for journalists. Violations there range from violent raids to gruesome acts like torture and enforced disappearances. It’s hard to imagine a profession where such dangers lurk, where every word could lead to jeopardy. Sadly, police forces and security agencies are identified as the primary culprits, accounting for over 80% of reported abuses. This disturbing statistic paints a portrait of systemic patterns of violence originating from those entrusted to uphold the law.

The report starkly reminds us that while crimes against journalists often go unpunished, silence is not a viable option. Somalia stands at a crossroads, a crucial juncture where justice must be sought and trust rebuilt. But how can a nation heal if it continues to ignore the wounds of its press?

Alarmingly, the report uncovers an unsettling trend: legal and administrative frameworks, including a proposed constitutional amendment, the Official Information Bill, and various registration directives, are being used as tools to restrict media freedom. This raises another critical question: can legislation crafted in the name of governance truly serve a democratic society if it seeks to silence dissent?

Economic exploitation is another thorn in the side of journalism in Somalia. Many journalists toil without contracts, fair compensation, or basic protections in place. Such precarious conditions threaten not only their livelihoods but also the very essence of journalism’s integrity. Isn’t it ironic that in a profession dedicated to truth, the truth-tellers themselves often languish in uncertainty?

The situation is particularly dire for female journalists, with 21 documented incidents of sexual and gender-based violence in 2024. This gendered aspect of media repression underscores an urgent need for comprehensive reform. Can any nation truly say it values democracy when half of its voices are stifled in silence?

As NUSOJ articulates, the struggle for media freedom in Somalia transcends mere safety; it’s about dignity, justice, and the fundamental right to speak truth to power without fear. The report calls for urgent actions to dismantle the culture of impunity, enhance working conditions for journalists, and terminate organized efforts aimed at institutionalizing censorship.

“As Somalia stands at a crossroads after decades of relentless repression of journalists across nearly every region of the country, protecting journalists must become a national priority. Without a free media where journalists can operate safely and in conducive working conditions, there can be no genuine transition to democracy, let alone lasting progress and good governance,” emphasizes Omar Faruk Osman, Secretary General of NUSOJ.

In its dedication, the report pays tribute to the resilience, bravery, and determination of Somali journalists. Despite threats and adversities, they persist in serving the public and defending the truth. “Journalists in Somalia continue to endure what no professional should ever face—fear, violence, and uncertainty, simply for telling the story. This report challenges those in power to choose accountability over abuse and respect over repression. Journalism is not a threat—it is a lifeline for a peaceful and stable Somalia, where a just rule of law prevails,” declared Osman.

For a comprehensive look into these issues, you can access the full report here: NUSOJ Media Freedom Report 2024.

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring