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Thursday February 15, 2024
Mogadishu (HOL) – The Federation of Somali Journalists (FESOJ), the Somali Media Association (SOMA), and their affiliated organizations, operating under the umbrella of the Somali Mechanism for the Safety of Journalists (SMSJ), are working to establish the Somali Media Council by Article 14 of the Somali Media Law.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the two media organizations urged other affiliated media organizations, the government, and civil society to collaborate in establishing the Council.
“”Since the signing of the Media Law by two Presidents, considerable time has elapsed, leading to debates and discussions, with calls for some articles in the Media Law to be reviewed and amended. Certain legally accepted provisions by the Federal Government and the Regional States have yet to be implemented, causing concerns among journalists and the mass media.
“To address the remaining challenges, it is imperative to initiate the establishment process of the Media Council to resolve controversies and ongoing debates. The formation of the Somali Media Council has been a subject of disagreement for some time. In the current year, we are optimistic that all media stakeholders will come together carefully and with an open mind to establish the Media Council,” the statement reads.
The Federation of Somali Journalists (FESOJ) has been closely monitoring the establishment of the East African Media Council, laying the groundwork for its formation.
As Somalia is now a part of the East African community, it must be involved in the East African Media Council, with which FESOJ has been extensively consulted during its establishment.
The establishment of the Somali Media Council, as required by Article 14 of the country’s Media Law, is outlined in its various sections: 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4, 14.5, 14.6, 14.7, 14.8, and 14.9.
Article 14.1, indicating the Media Council will consist of 9 members.
14.1. B) Government 3 members with one female
J) The Civil Society Organizations (CSO) 3 members (Human Rights Commission, Women Associations and Somali Lawyers Association)
14.2. The members that could join the Media Council will be members from the academics, media experts selected for their experiences, talents, honesty and integrity
14.3. This important clause indicates that for the Council to fulfill its duties, it is to be independent from politics and government interference, institutional interests and special groups and conflicts of interests that may come to the person who becomes a member and the work of the council.
14.4. The formation of the Somali Media Council could come through consultation with the Minister of Information, Media Associations and the Chairman of the Civil Society Organizations (CSO).
14.5. The appointment of the Somali Media Council will be valid with the decision of the Cabinet of Ministries after the proposal of the Minister of Information, and signed by the President and issued in the Official Gazette.
14.6. The term of this Somali Media Council will be three years and can be renewed only once if necessary.
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