Garowe, Puntland, November 5, 2024: The MAP’s Somali Council of Media Development (SCOMED) annual conference concluded after two days of impactful discussions centered on the safety and protection of journalists during crises and emergencies, as well as the role of the newly unveiled Puntland Access to Information Act in enhancing journalistic work.
Held each November in observance of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists (IDEI), the conference was hosted by the Media Association of Puntland (MAP) in collaboration with Free Press Unlimited and supported by the European Union, taking place at the Puntland Development and Research Center (PDRC) on November 2-3.
Participants included reporters, editors, media executives, civil society representatives, law enforcement officials, and independent lawyers, the Spokesperson of the Puntland President, and the Deputy Chair of the Puntland Youth Associations Network, highlighting the collaborative spirit and collective commitment to addressing challenges faced by journalists in Puntland.
Notable speakers at the inaugural session included Puntland’s Minister of Information Mohamud Aydid Dirir, Director General Mohamed Isse Osman, Deputy Puntland Police Commander Gen. Aydid Ahmed Nur, and MAP Chair Mohamed Dahir Aynsane, who emphasized the importance of media independence, enhanced journalist safety, and the media’s role in promoting transparency and accountability.
MAP Chairperson Mohamed Dahir opened the conference by welcoming participants and expressing gratitude for their attendance. He emphasized the significance of media and law enforcement dialogue in MAP’s mission to create a supportive environment for journalism. Over the years, MAP has strategically worked to protect journalists and advocate for their rights, leading to greater government support for press freedom.
Reflecting on past challenges, Dahir recalled that seven years ago, journalists faced arrests without warrants and unfair judicial processes. He welcomed the recent unveiling of the Access to Information Act and called for collaboration between state and non-state actors for its effective implementation.
Pledging MAP’s commitment to statewide capacity-building initiatives, he urged government institutions to prepare their staff to facilitate information requests. Dahir concluded by noting that journalists in Puntland now operate in a more secure and professional environment than they did seven years ago, thanks to MAP’s ongoing efforts to enhance their skills and ethical standards.
“Together, through the collective efforts of MAP and our partners, we are building a future where journalists in Puntland can work safely and freely, empowered by the Access to Information Act and guided by the principles of transparency and accountability. This collaborative spirit ensures that the voices of the people are heard, fostering a vibrant democracy where information flows freely and truth prevails.” Mohamed Dahir, MAP Chair
The Puntland Deputy Police Commissioner, Gen. Aydid Ahmed Nur, in his remarks highlighted the importance of accountability and reflection to strengthen the shared commitment of both the police and the media to the community. He called for constructive dialogue on existing challenges, urging both sectors to engage in professional discourse. The Commissioner stressed the need to recognize the exemplary work of journalists while also addressing any shortcomings, paralleling the standards expected within the police force. He reaffirmed the strength of collaboration between law enforcement and the media, emphasizing that shared access to information is crucial for enhancing public security. The Deputy Commissioner also assured ongoing protection for journalists and a commitment to fostering open discussions to collaboratively tackle challenges.
“Upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety of journalists is essential for fostering trust between law enforcement and the media. Together, through constructive dialogue and accountability, we can enhance public security and support the vital work of journalists in our community.” Gen. Aydid Ahmed Deputy police commissioner Puntland
Eng. Mohamud Isse, Director General of the Puntland Ministry of Information, highlighted the substantial progress in media-law enforcement relations over the past six years. On the International Day to End Impunity, he noted that no journalists have been imprisoned in the past three years, crediting this achievement to the diligent efforts of the Media Association of Puntland (MAP) in fostering constructive dialogue between the media and law enforcement. He emphasized that Puntland’s constitution grants journalists the freedom to report and seek information, a right further supported by the new Access to Information Act.
This legislation now enables journalists to request information from government agencies, provided it does not compromise security, marking a new era of transparency and accountability. Eng. Mohamud Isse affirmed that the press in Puntland operates freely and with integrity, a vital pillar in the region’s democratic landscape. He expressed confidence that these protections would continue to strengthen, empowering journalists to serve the public with independence and safety.
“The era of impunity for crimes against journalists is over. Today, the media in Puntland stands empowered and protected, backed by accountability and a commitment to the rule of law. We are building a future where freedom of the press is a cornerstone of our democracy. ”Eng. Mohamud Isse Director General Puntland Ministry of Information
During the two-day conference, participants engaged in a series of presentations and discussions focused on key challenges and opportunities within the media landscape in Puntland. A major highlight was the presentation of the newly enacted Puntland Access to Information Act, celebrated as a significant milestone for transparency. This legislation empowers journalists by granting access to government-held information, particularly in disaster risk management (DRM), enabling timely and accurate reporting.
The conference also featured findings from BBC Media Action’s research on disinformation and gender in Somalia, aimed at helping journalists tackle misinformation challenges. Discussions on journalist safety were prominent, with the acknowledgment that no journalists had been arrested in the past three years. However, threats to media professionals were highlighted, emphasizing the need for a safer reporting environment.
Plenary and group discussions focused on strengthening the media environment in Puntland, addressing the challenges faced by journalists, and emphasizing the need for collaboration among media organizations, civil society, and law enforcement. Participants left the conference with a renewed commitment to advancing media independence and protecting journalists’ rights, armed with actionable insights for the future of journalism in the region.
The conference concluded with recommendations for improving journalist safety, combating misinformation, and enhancing cooperation between media, government, and civil society. This annual event reflects MAP and Puntland’s commitment to media freedom and journalist protection. By aligning with the mission of the International Day to End Impunity (IDEI), the 2024 SCOMED conference reinforces Puntland’s dedication to fostering a secure and independent media landscape that upholds integrity, courage, and truth.
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