Mogadishu, November 4, 2023 – With the support of IMS/FOJO, The Somali Media Association (SOMA) has today observed the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists (IDEI) – 2023 at Afrik Hotel in Mogadishu, Somalia.

SOMA has coordinated with FESOJ an event commemorating the IDEI -2023 and mourning the death of late Abdifatah Moalim Nur (Qeys) , Director of the Somali Cable TV and founding member of the Somali Media Association (SOMA) on Saturday November 4,  2023 at Afrik Hotel in Mogadishu city, Somalia.

The IDEI and the mourning service occasion has been participated by the Director of the Independent Media of the Ministry of Information, Secretary General of FESOJ, Senior Media consultants, CSO members, Director of Radio Danan, Editor of the Somali Cable TV, Director of SBC TV, SNTV Presenter, Media Associations, journalists, freelancers, Editor of Hamar Newspaper and other guests.

In his opening remarks, Farah Omar Nur, Secretary General of FESOJ, pointed out the significance of marking the 10^th anniversary of IDEI November 2, 2013 is to maintain the advocacy for preventing violence against journalists.

“We are also mourning for the death of late Abdifatah  Moalim Nur Qeys, whose case has not been followed up and investigated as yet. There is need to find out the offenders to brought to justice.” Farah Omar Nur stated

On his part, Mohamed Abduwahab , Director of Radio Risaala and Executive Member of SOMA mentioned the commemoration of the IDEI 2023 has coincided with the killing of Abdiftah Moalim Nur Qeys , which was shocking and unfortunate,

“He was professional journalist who has worked with various media outlets for many years, including Radio Hurmo , a community radio and has been one the founders of the Somali Media Association (SOMA). Let us pray, remember and honor the live and works of Qeys , Its mandatory for us not only grief but also to act.” Mohamed Abduwahab indicated.

Mohmaed Mohamud Adde , Senior Media Consultant with FESOJ on his part briefly pointed out the significance to commemorate the IDEI event to end impunity for crimes against journalists , and the offender to be made accountable. “To silence the media is not of interest for the public. he added.

Said Hagaa, senior media trainer has highlighted that the journalists have to work with professional ethics, and to demand accountability from the authorities and insist on investigation when journalists are threatened or harmed.

Fardwosa Sahal, SNTV presenter has indicated as the violence against increased, there is need to practically implement the laws to protect the safety of the journalists.

Dini Mohamed Dini from the CSO has underlined the need to harmonize the media law and the constitution to improve the protection of journalists.

In addition, Abdulkadir Mohamed Adde, Director of the Independent Media of the Ministry of Information has prayed for the late Abdifatah Moalim Nur Qeys and mentioned his legacy will be long remembered.

Furthermore, he suggested the independent media and the Ministry of Information to unite and cooperate to correct the prevailing mistakes.

In conclusion, the participants in event have made the following valuable recommendation: –

• There is need to advocate for the safety and protection of the journalists at Federal government level and Federal Member State level
• There is need to work towards establishing the Media Council
• There is need to follow legal ways when there is case to answer for the journalists
• There is need to end the threats and intimidation against the journalists and the media
• We call the Federal government and the Federal Member States to end impunity for crimes against journalists
• There is need to acknowledge the role the independent media played in the past years in transferring public interest information.
• The prosecutor is required to investigate the violence committed against the journalists and the media

Moreover, SOMA has used this year’s remembrance of the IDEI event to cooperate with the Federation of Somali Journalists (FESOJ) to jointly produce short video clip releasing a joint message in observing the International Day to end Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, which is remembered annually on November 2.

By BRUHAN MAKONG
Sunday November 5, 2023

Defense Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has called on the leaders in the Coast region to take the leading role in advocating for peaceful co-existence of the communities rather than fanning conflicts.

Duale was speaking on Saturday in Lamu’s Kizingitini area, where he accompanied President William Ruto on a four-day tour of the region.

He stressed the critical importance of unity for the development of a region that has lagged behind due to security challenges, including terrorism.

He pleaded with the leaders from Lamu County and the entire region to follow the example of leaders from other parts of the country who have joined hands in preaching for peace.

“I call on the leaders from Lamu County to be mindful of their words. It is our desire that every ethnic and religious groups can co-exist peacefully for the good of our country,” Duale said.

As the government intensifies war on terror, CS Duale said that the war on terror can only be won through collaboration between every citizen and leader in the country.

Lamu is one of the counties that has been grappling with terrorism in recent months that has left dozens of dead including civilians and security agencies.

Most of the terrorist incidences have been blamed on the Somalia-based Al-Qaeda-affiliated jihadist group Al-Shabaab.

“We have one common enemy called Al-Shabaab,” Duale said even as he said that the government will continue to go after every individual linked to terrorism till the menace is completely eradicated.

The Defense CS said that Lamu residents can only achieve the maximum benefits of the newly constructed Lamu Port when there is stability.

“The national security interest of our country is important for the port of Lamu which is essential in job creation for our youth,” he added.

On October 9, Duale’s Interior counterpart, Kithure Kindiki disclosed that the Government had identified the ringleaders and planners of the atrocities in Lamu County.

The revelation came amidst increased cases of attacks in the region in recent months that has left dozens dead sparking outrage among the members of the public.

CS Kindiki warned at the time that those using religion and historical grievances as an excuse to kill and maim the citizens will face the full force of the law.

“We will pursue and neutralize all these criminals,” Kindiki said.