The Federal Government of Somalia has forcefully reaffirmed its commitment to protecting media professionals and dismantling the structures of impunity for crimes committed against journalists.
This pledge was made at a high-level forum in Mogadishu commemorating the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists (IDEI). The event, held at the Airport Hotel, cast a critical spotlight on the evolving nature of threats, particularly the rise of technology-facilitated and AI-driven gender-based violence against female reporters.
The commemorative event was organized by the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) and supported by the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives. It brought together senior government officials, international diplomats, and media stakeholders to address the legal and practical challenges in ensuring journalist safety.
Delivering the keynote address, the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, H.E. Hassan Moalin Mohamud, stated unequivocally that the government opposes all forms of harassment, intimidation, or violence against journalists, whether offline or online.
He detailed the administration’s proactive steps to create a safer legal environment for the media. Minister Mohamud noted that his ministry has undertaken a comprehensive review and restructuring of national laws, including the penal code, to ensure they align with international standards on freedom of expression. These reforms, he emphasized, are designed to guarantee that perpetrators of crimes against media workers are held accountable through the formal justice system.
Mr. Omar Faruk Osman, Secretary-General of NUSOJ, addressed the forum, acknowledging the tangible progress made in recent years. He highlighted that physical violations and lethal attacks against journalists have seen a notable and welcome decline.
However, Mr. Osman cautioned that the nature of the threats is rapidly evolving. He urged the government and its partners to intensify efforts to combat new forms of harassment, pointing specifically to the rise of online surveillance, digital stalking, and AI-facilitated disinformation campaigns. He stressed that these digital attacks disproportionately target female journalists, with the explicit aim of silencing their voices and driving them from the profession.
The government’s position was strongly supported by the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism. Representing the ministry, Mr. Mohamedkafi Abukar, Director of Somali National Television (SNTV), praised the collaborative national initiatives aimed at safeguarding media professionals. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s support for a free, independent, and responsible media sector, which he termed essential for Somalia’s democratic development.
The event also featured prominent international partners, including H.E. Pier Mario Dacco’ Coppi, the Italian Ambassador to Somalia, and a Representative of the African Union. Both diplomats echoed the call for enhanced protection mechanisms and commended Somalia for the positive, measurable strides made in improving media freedom and reducing violence against the press.
This high-level dialogue occurs as Somalia continues to make significant gains in overall peace and state-building. The reported decline in attacks on journalists is widely seen as a direct benefit of these national stabilization efforts, signaling a broadening consensus on the critical role a safe and free press plays in Somalia’s bright future.
