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NUSOJ
launches campaign to end Impunity of Killing Journalists and
Media Workers in Somalia
Mogadishu, August 16, 2012
Somali media representatives, civil society organizations,
human rights advocacy groups, journalist and union officials
gathered at Sahafi Hotel in Mogadishu on August 16, 2012 to
discuss the raising concerns of the terrifying surge of journalists
killings, the safety of the working journalists, media impunity,
lack of justice and way to assist families of fallen colleagues,
as part campaign to combat the impunity and injustice launched
by the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ).
It has been a matter of concern that 10 journalists and media
workers were killed in Somalia since December last year, most
surprisingly all the attacks are happening in the government
controlled areas and no one has been held accountable for this
heinous crimes against the media practitioners, the conference
noted raising concerns of who are the actual killers? Are all
related to the Shabab or there are other elements who are targeted
the messengers?
On his opening remarks, Mr. Mohamed Ibrahim, the Secretary
General of the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ)
highlighted the dangers the media practitioners and human rights
defenders are facing at a time the country is in transition
which is due to end this month, the continued targeted attacks
and the government's inability to conduct investigations and
bring the killers to court, is becoming a real threat to the
lives of other living journalists
"Enough is enough, we can not wait until we are all killed,"
Mohamed Ibrahim, NUSOJ Secretary General said, "No story
worths life and no journalist has the right to be killed for
what he writes or reports and It is time we seek justice for
our fallen fellow journalists and the criminals are accounted
and bring them to court."
The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) believes that
if the government opens independent investigations into the
killings and bring them to court of law could lessen the targeted
assassinations against the journalists and media workers, which
is meant to sabotage the free flow of information.
"We will not be intimidated by these heartless assassins
and urge the government and the African Union mission in Somalia
to carry out investigations into the killings of journalists
and do not let the killers to walk freely. NUSOJ and Somali
Media fraternity will not rest until the killers are accounted
for their crimes." Mr. Ibrahim said, "I take this
opportunity to thank Doha Center for Media freedom for their
vivid cooperation and generous support to the Somali journalists
in need for help, thanking the support they have provided the
wounded journalists in Somalia."
The conference acknowledged the fact that the outnumbering
targeted killings, death threats, intimidations and the lack
of investigations into the murder cases followed by fear for
safety have profound affect to the lives of the media practitioners.
It was also noted that there are other elements besides Shabab
that are targeting the journalists.
"Dear friends, there are other criminals who are targeting
us in the government controlled areas besides the Shabab, which
we will have to be very careful about it." Abdullahi Ali
Farah, Director of SIMBA radio said
The conference underlined that, condemnation was not helpful
when one of our journalists is killed but more solidarity among
the community is needed. "We need to focus the reality
and speak with the government, put them pressure to investigate
these crimes." Ms. Hamdi Hussein Farah, Director of Horn
Cable television in Mogadishu said.
Osman Abdullahi Guure, Director of Radio Kulmiyeurged conference
participants to take measure in ensuring the safety of their
staff, "Every media station has to provide security, especially
those working late at nights."
The conference raised that the importance to assist families
of fallen colleagues and seek way to support them. "As
you know the widows and orphans of killed journalists and media
workers are in need of support and we must find ways to help
them." Abdirashid Abdulle Abikar, NUSOJ Treasurer said.
It was agreed that this issue be discussed to another upcoming
meeting.
Somalia is becoming one of the most dangerous places to be
a journalist and each month a journalist is killed. The conference
participants praised the NUSOJ's role in defending the rights
of the journalists and promoting the freedom of expression and
the freedom of the press. The conference also thanked Doha Center
for Media (DCMF) for their continued support to the Somali journalists
in distress.
The Conference agreed NUSOJ take the lead in:
1. Engaging the relevant government institutions and discuss
the best possible ways to conduct urgent investigations into
the killings of the journalists.
2. To engage the African Union in Somalia (AMISOM) and how they
can be of help in carrying out such investigations.
3. To lobby among the local and the relevant international partners
to pressure the government in conducting these investigations
4. Urged NUSOJ to continue the lobbies until the criminals are
brought to justice.
5. Urged NUSOJ to conduct safety trainings in a bid to empower
the journalists ability to manage the risks.
6. Noted the importance to conduct Election reporting workshops
a time dozens of candidates are running for the presidential
election by the end of August.
By conducting these investigations could mean survival for
the living journalists. The launch of this campaign comes a
crucial time the Somali journalists and media workers worry
their safety.
Similar conference took place in Nairobi, Kenya organized by
the union members led by Somali Exiled Journalists (SEJASS)
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