Garowe, Puntland – 13 May 2025; The Media Association of Puntland (MAP), in partnership with International Media Support (IMS), has successfully concluded a pivotal two-day dialogue forum in Garowe aimed at assessing the implementation and impact of the Puntland Access to Information Act.
Held from May 11–12, the forum brought together a broad spectrum of stakeholders including journalists, civil society representatives, and government officials, marking a critical milestone in Puntland’s ongoing efforts to institutionalize transparency, accountability, and open governance.
Enacted in October 2024 after more than two years of sustained advocacy and dialogue, the Puntland Access to Information Act represents a foundational legal framework for promoting the public’s right to know.
The forum served as an opportunity for key actors to evaluate the law’s rollout, share insights on its application, and identify practical steps to overcome barriers to its effective enforcement.
In his keynote address, Mr. Mohamed Dahir, Chairperson of the Media Association of Puntland, underscored the significance of the law as a tool for both public empowerment and journalistic advancement. While celebrating its passage as a hard-won victory for press freedom, Mr. Dahir expressed concern over the slow uptake of the law by media professionals.
“It is burdensome to witness the very journalists who fought for this law failing to utilize it meaningfully,” said Mr. Dahir. He urged journalists to shift focus from routine political reporting toward more impactful investigative journalism that holds institutions accountable and responds to the public’s need for meaningful information. “Now that we have this legal tool, we must not allow it to gather dust. Journalists have a responsibility to engage with the law, test its strength, and make it a living instrument for democracy.”
Mr. Dahir further emphasized that the Act provides legal authority for journalists to request, obtain, and disseminate information that directly impacts public well-being — from education and healthcare to justice and development. He called on all media practitioners to familiarize themselves with the law’s provisions and make strategic use of its powers to elevate the quality of journalism in Puntland.
Also speaking at the opening session was Engineer Mohamed Isse, the Director General of the Puntland Ministry of Information, Communication, Culture and Heritage. He affirmed the Puntland government’s commitment to transparency and open governance, citing the enactment of the Access to Information Act as evidence of that political will. Mr. Isse encouraged journalists to make active use of the law and assured them that the government stands ready to support legitimate information requests.
“We will facilitate the process when journalists apply for access to public data,” he said, “because this is not just a law — it is a bridge between government institutions and the people they serve.” — Eng. Mohamed Isse Osman
Over the course of the two days, participants engaged in a comprehensive dialogue designed to deepen their understanding of the Access to Information Act and strengthen their collective capacity to implement and monitor its use. Sessions opened with a legal and contextual review of the Act, emphasizing its objectives, key provisions, and the principles of transparency and accountability that underpin it. Participants reflected on global best practices and international legal frameworks that inspire and shape access to information legislation.
Discussions also identified various barriers that continue to hinder effective enforcement, including institutional resistance, lack of public awareness, limited training among media practitioners, and the absence of clear inter-agency protocols for information sharing.
A central theme of the forum was the clarification of roles and responsibilities among key actors within the information ecosystem. Government representatives, civil society leaders, and media professionals explored how each sector contributes to the success or failure of transparency initiatives. The dialogue emphasized the need for strategic coordination and mutual trust between these sectors to ensure the free flow of information.
Participants also worked collaboratively to develop strategies for advocacy, community sensitization, and the institutionalization of compliance mechanisms. Sessions dedicated to inter-sector collaboration highlighted the value of building permanent platforms for dialogue and monitoring, as well as the creation of standardized procedures for accessing information.
The forum concluded with a forward-looking discussion on empowering journalists to report more effectively on information rights and governance issues. Participants explored thematic areas for investigative journalism and identified tools and techniques that can be used to gather and analyze data. The MAP Chairperson reiterated that journalists must now take the lead in transforming the access to information law from a piece of legislation into a daily practice that empowers the public and strengthens democratic governance.
The event concluded with final reflections, a post-forum evaluation, and strong consensus among participants on the importance of continued engagement, periodic review, and cross-sector collaboration to ensure that the Access to Information Act delivers on its promise of transparency, accountability, and informed citizenry.
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