Galkacyo,Puntland,Somalia: 15-06-2015:- Media Association of Puntland (MAP) in partnership with Relief International opened three-days (15-17 June 2014) training on Safety of Journalists and Freedom of Expression in Somalia’s central town of Galkacyo on Monday.
The training supported by European Union attracted about 20 journalists drawn from various media outlets in Galkacyo started with introducation of participants and trainers.In his opening remarks, MAP’s head of training Salim Yussuf stated that this is the first of many trainings on safety and freedom of expression to be held for journalists in Mudug region. “I urge journalists who participated this workshop to make use of it”, adds Yussuf
Mr Omar Ahmed, a Relief International representative who highlighted the importance of such training for journalists, pledging that Relief International is committed in supporting the Somali media.
“I do thank you for attending this important workshop which is intended to address on the hostile and often fatal situations in which our brothers and sisters in the media usually face, empowering Mudug Female Journalists Association is another target for MAP’s Galkacyo visit”, notes Fatima Mohamed, MAP Secretary General
Said Nadara, Universal TV correspondent in Galkacyo who participated the training thanked MAP representatives for the training aimed at enhancing journalists operating under such hostile environment, Nadara urged MAP for more trainings.
Abdinasir Bedel, Puntland Information Ministry representatives in Galkacyo who officially opened the workshop welcomed MAP delegation to Galkacyo. Khalaf added that this workshop on safety of journalist and freedom of expressions comes at the right time since journalists in Galkacyo face many challenges.
Faisal Khalif, MAP chairman facilitated the training on the first day that began with on Journalists’ safety and related laws around the world. He also presented on journalists code of conduct, professionalism and safety of journalists, and educated the participants on various issues related to professional and physical safety of journalists.Galkacyo has been a hotspot for journalists where at least five journalists were cold-bloodedly murdered in the central Somali town since 2010.
