Somali Journalists Faced Severe Repression and Threats in 2023, Reveals NUSOJ Report

The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) has released its annual State of the Media Report, revealing a grim picture of media freedom in the country. The report, which documents numerous serious violations against journalists in 2023, paints a troubling picture of the challenges faced by media professionals in Somalia.

According to the report, over 60% of the reported cases involved brief arrests and detentions, often used as intimidation tactics to suppress critical reporting. Prolonged detentions and instances of torture also accounted for a significant portion of the attacks, highlighting the severe physical risks faced by journalists. Police forces were identified as the primary perpetrators, responsible for nearly 87% of the incidents, indicating systemic issues within law enforcement regarding the treatment of journalists.

Mogadishu emerged as the most dangerous place for journalists, with nearly 39% of all attacks occurring in the capital. This concentration of attacks suggests a targeted effort to control media coverage in the heart of the country's political landscape.

The report also highlights the tragic loss of Abdifatah Moallim Nur, a respected journalist and Director of Somali Cable TV, who was killed in a suicide bomb attack in Mogadishu in October 2023. This attack underscores the severe risks faced by journalists in the country.

In addition to individual attacks on journalists, the report details assaults on news media organizations in the Southwest State, Puntland, and Somaliland. These external and internal pressures severely compromised the ability of media houses to report accurately and independently.

Financial instability among journalists is another significant issue, with many earning low wages and working on commission or retention schemes. This economic vulnerability leads to self-censorship and poor-quality reporting, undermining the true essence of a free and vibrant media operation.

Female journalists face additional threats, particularly sexual and gender-based violence, with 31 cases documented in 2023. These attacks have profound impacts on female journalists' physical and psychological well-being, professional development, and career progression.

The outdated and draconian penal code of 1964, along with the amended media law of 2020, poses significant threats to media freedom due to its vague and broadly defined provisions. NUSOJ calls for comprehensive legal reforms to eliminate vague provisions that criminalize journalism and to repeal or amend the restrictive 2020 media law.

Improving the safety, financial stability, and support systems for journalists is crucial to fostering a free and independent media in Somalia. NUSOJ recommends developing and enforcing safety protocols, particularly in high-risk areas, and advocating for fair wages and better working conditions to reduce financial instability. Addressing gender discrimination and promoting equal opportunities for female journalists are also essential to ensuring a diverse and robust media landscape.

The State of the Media Report by NUSOJ is a critical tool in the ongoing struggle to defend media freedom and the rights of journalists in Somalia. Through rigorous monitoring, verification, documentation, and advocacy efforts, NUSOJ aims to create a safer and more supportive environment for media professionals, enabling them to perform their crucial role in society without fear.

Read here the full report https://grwo.so/Peow3