Somali Media Development Conference Ends in Kenya

Somali Journalists

A three-day conference intended to discuss on how to develop the media in Somali has been concluded in the Kenyan capital Nairobi on Wednesday. The conference which was jointly arranged by the National Union of Somali journalists (NUSOJ) and the Dutch-based PRESS NOW was attended by Media representatives from south-central Somalia, Puntland, Somaliland and some Somali expatriate journalists.

PRESS NOW director Leon Williams who gave an address at the conclusion ceremony of the conference said that NUSOJ and his organization are committed to pushing for the development of Somali media which has been working under difficult circumstances for more than 19 years. “We are standing beside the Somali media and will do everything to develop it” the PRESS NOW director stated during his address at the end of the Somali media development conference which was the first of its kind to be held.

The general secretary of the National Union of Somali journalists Omar faruq Osman said that it is very great publicity for both media organizations to hold such precious a meeting to discuss ways to develop the media Somalia. “The outcome from the meeting is that we have all the media outlets from around Somalia and abroad who have one voice today and that is to go forward, this is a big success indeed” NUSOJ general secretary added.

Italy’s ambassador to Somalia who is based in Nairobi Kenya Mr. Stefano A. Dejak also addressed the conference and said that he is very happy to see Somali media workers discussing about their progress in the media. “Unity is strength and we (the Italian government) will assist the United Somali media” said the Italian ambassador.

The Netherlands permanent secretary for Somalia’s humanitarian affairs Annemarie Van der Heijden praised the successful end to the conference saying that the Somali media is doing a good job for Somalis and also for countries interested in Somali affairs.

NUSOJ is the main Somali media watch dog that lobbies for freedom of expression and better rights for journalists working in the lawless horn of Africa nation. Somalia is said to be the second most dangerous country in the world for journalists to work and as result at least six prominent journalist including the directors of the two leading Somali media house were killed in and outside the lawless capital Mogadishu since the start of this year.

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