Garowe, Puntland – October 20, 2024: A momentous occasion unfolded on October 19, as the Puntland Ministry of Information unveiled the Access to Information Act at the Martisoor Hotel in Garowe.
This landmark event, infused with the hopes and aspirations of the community, marks the dawn of a new era for transparency, accountability, and media freedom in Puntland. The atmosphere was alive with a sense of pride and anticipation as stakeholders and citizens celebrated a pivotal advancement toward a more open and informed society.
The event, orchestrated by the Media Association of Puntland (MAP) in collaboration with the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), featured key government leaders for a significant unveiling. Vice President Ilyaas Osman Lugatoor was joined by Minister of Information Mohamud Aydid, Deputy Minister Yacqub Abdala, and Director General Eng. Mohamed Isse, along with ministers from health, agriculture, planning, energy, and water, showcasing the government’s strong support for this initiative.
The gathering drew a diverse audience, including representatives from the United Nations, non-governmental organizations, civil society groups, women’s and youth organizations, media managers, reporters, MAP executives and engaged citizens. Notably, the head of the Office of the Puntland Human Rights Defender also attended, emphasizing the event’s importance in promoting transparency and accountability in governance and fostering a vibrant media landscape.
In his address to the packed audience, Mohamed Dahir, Chair of MAP, expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the collective effort that led to this moment. “Today, we witness the realization of a dream—a commitment to the fundamental right to access information. This law is a powerful testament to what can be achieved when we come together in pursuit of a common goal. It serves as a foundation for the future of journalism in Puntland, empowering our media professionals to hold those in power accountable and ensuring that the voices of our citizens are heard.”
Engineer Mohamed Isse, Director of the Ministry of information presented the newly approved Access to Information Act to the audience, along with the July 29, 2024 approved regulations for advertisement, awareness-raising, and social media, all of which fall under the Puntland media law established in 2016.
The Director, who played a crucial role in the process of establishing the Access to Information Act, emphasized that the Puntland government is dedicated to facilitating media operations, ensuring transparency in governance, and holding itself accountable to the public.
“We believe that the Access to Information Act is a vital step toward empowering our media, fostering transparency, and ensuring that the Puntland government remains accountable to its citizens. This act is not just a legal framework; it is a commitment to an open and informed society.”
The unveiling of the Access to Information Act signifies an extraordinary victory for media freedom and public accountability. Journalists are now armed with the essential tools to access crucial government information, fostering a stronger and more transparent relationship between the government and the public. This act embodies a bold commitment to the principle that every citizen has the right to know, question, and hold their government accountable.
“With the establishment of the Access to Information Act, there will be no more restrictions on information for Puntland journalists. This marks a new era where complaints about accessing government data will be a thing of the past. We expect journalists to adhere to the procedures outlined in the act when requesting information.
As they gain access to sensitive data, we also anticipate a higher standard of ethical journalism, ensuring that this newfound access is used responsibly and in the public interest”, said Information Minister Dirir in his remarks at the event.
Puntland Vice President Illyas Lugatoor, who served as the chief guest of honor, delivered an extensive speech that highlighted the critical role of media in society. At one point, he commended Puntland’s media landscape for its maturity and acknowledged its significant contributions to the region’s development. He expressed strong support for the unveiling of the Access to Information Act and urged the 21 cabinet ministries in Puntland to swiftly prepare their staff for its effective implementation.
“In today’s world, a free and responsible media is essential for fostering transparency and accountability. I commend our Puntland media for its maturity and contributions to our development. The Access to Information Act is a vital tool that will empower journalists, and I urge all cabinet ministries to ensure their staff is well-prepared to implement this act effectively,” said Vice President Illyas Lugatoor during his address.
Tim Othieno, the UNSOM official in charge, addressed the audience, underscoring the importance of the Access to Information Act for society. He pointed out that transparency and good governance are crucial for ensuring the independence of the media in obtaining information. This independence not only allows for timely access to reliable news but also supports informed decision-making based on accurate information. Othieno emphasized the need to ensure the effective implementation of the rules outlined in the act.
Tim Othieno, head of the UNSOM Somalia office, also spoke at the event, highlighting the significance of the Access to Information Act and its impact on society. He emphasized the need for its effective implementation to ensure transparency and accountability. Tim pledged UNSOM’s continued commitment to strengthening its collaboration with MAP and the Ministry of Information, supporting the ongoing development of Puntland’s media landscape.
“Access to information is a cornerstone of a thriving democracy. By ensuring transparency and good governance, we empower the media to deliver reliable news in real-time, which ultimately leads to informed decision-making,” said Tim Othieno during his remarks at the event.
Also speaking at the event was the head of Office of Puntland Human rights defender (OPHRD), Avv. Said Mumin, who expressed strong support for the Access to Information Act and emphasized that his office will continue collaborating with MAP and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the preservation of human rights in Puntland.
As MAP celebrates this pivotal moment, it is crucial that we remain focused. The implementation phase of the Access to Information Act is the most critical aspect that will require concerted efforts. MAP will be mobilizing support to conduct statewide capacity-building initiatives aimed at raising awareness and training local journalists to fully understand and utilize the act.
MAP would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to all those who contributed, directly or indirectly, to the long-awaited process that culminated in the establishment of the Access to Information Act. Special thanks go to the National Endowment for Democracy, a longstanding partner that supported MAP in sponsoring the consultative forums and advocacy efforts for developing this act.
The Association takes pride in having one of the most dedicated teams in the nation, consistently rising to meet tough challenges and navigating significant obstacles in our pursuit of creating an enabling environment for media practice in Puntland.
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