Somalia Marks International Day Against Impunity with a Strong Call for Justice and Safety for Journalists

MOGADISHU, Somalia – The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), with support from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and its Global Media Defence Fund (GMDF), hosted a national commemoration on 2 November 2024, coinciding with the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists. The day-long event honoured Somali journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty while reinforcing the nation’s call for justice and urgent action to end impunity. Journalists were joined in a spirit of solidarity by senior representatives of the government and international partners. 

In an atmosphere filled with reflection and resolve, the commemoration carried the theme “Justice for Journalists.” The event opened with welcoming remarks and a statement from NUSOJ, delivered by Secretary General Omar Faruk Osman. In a strong call for justice, Mr. Osman declared, “The courage of Somali journalists is unmatched. They have risked their lives for the truth and it is our collective duty to ensure their sacrifices are not in vain. Justice must prevail and impunity must end.” He further emphasised, “Somalia has no future without free and safe journalists.”

A solemn tribute followed, where the names of 62 journalists killed over the past 15 years were read aloud. Each name, echoing through the hall, served as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of truth through committed journalism, leaving an indelible mark on Somalia’s complex history. As attendees observed a moment of silence, the weight of these losses became deeply felt, highlighting the significant personal and professional toll borne by the Somali journalism community.

Leading members of the international community in Somalia delivered powerful keynote addresses marked by a strong sense of solidarity and a staunch defence of media freedom. The British Ambassador to Somalia, H.E. Mike Nithavrianakis, spoke on the indispensable role journalists play in democracy. He affirmed, “Despite the challenges and the very real dangers you face, Somali media continues to thrive, whether through national outlets, regional radio, or indeed the growing number of independent influencers online who are adding to the rich tapestry of Somalia’s media scene. The UK is a steadfast supporter of media freedom across the world. In Somalia, where journalists face the very real threat of violence it is crucial that the international community stands together with brave Somali journalists, many of whom are here today. We will not shy away from defending media freedom.”

The Swedish Ambassador, H.E. Joachim Waern, reinforced the shared responsibility of the international community in tackling impunity. He decried the dangerous and precarious working environment faced by Somali journalists, often characterised by harassment, detentions and even killings. He stressed that bringing perpetrators to justice is essential in changing this situation and highlighted Sweden’s longstanding support for Somali journalists, particularly in areas aimed at enhancing their safety and security, improving working conditions in the workplace, quality of journalism and advocacy for improved legislation while providing legal aid when needed. Sweden, with a proud history of strong journalism and far-reaching laws for openness and transparency, he noted, prioritises interventions that safeguard journalists’ rights and protect their lives.

H.E. Richard Riley, U.S. Ambassador to Somalia, asserted in a strongly worded speech, “The United States stands with you in the fight against impunity. We remain committed to supporting efforts to hold perpetrators accountable and to building a safer, freer environment for journalists. Through partnerships with organisations such as UNESCO and NUSOJ, we are working to ensure that media professionals can carry out their essential work without fear of retaliation.” He further emphasised, “Reflection alone is insufficient. We must translate these moments into meaningful action. It is essential that we support reforms to protect media freedoms, ensuring that laws align with international standards and reflect our shared commitment to freedom of expression. We must foster stronger partnerships between the government, the media, civil society and international allies, working collaboratively to dismantle the structures that enable impunity to persist.”

The national statement from the Federal Government of Somalia was delivered by H.E. Farah Sheikh Abdulkadir, Minister of Education, Culture and Higher Education of Somalia, who leads Somalia’s engagements with UNESCO. He remarked, “Tackling impunity is not just a goal for us; it is a necessity. We recognise that impunity undermines the very foundations of justice and democracy. Therefore, Somalia is taking proactive steps to strengthen our judicial processes, ensure accountability and enhance protections for those who risk their lives in the pursuit of journalism. We are dedicated to building robust systems that empower our legal institutions to investigate and prosecute crimes against journalists swiftly and effectively.” He added, “We, as the government, media and international partners, must work together to address the rapidly growing problems caused by disinformation and misinformation, which are highly detrimental to the progress and well-being of our country.”

After the opening ceremony, a panel discussion titled ‘Breaking the Cycle of Impunity’ brought together international experts from Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the United Nations. The discussion explored the profound effects of impunity on media freedom in Somalia. Panellists discussed the dangers facing journalists and highlighted the need for collaborative efforts to create an environment where journalists can work freely and safely. Strategies to hold perpetrators accountable were shared, sparking dialogue on the future of media in Somalia and the critical importance of legal defence.

In the afternoon, the commemoration transformed into a launchpad for a comprehensive four-day Investigative Journalism Training Workshop. Led by Arnaud Froger, Head of Investigations at Reporters Without Borders (RSF), the workshop was designed to equip Somali journalists with practical skills to investigate, document and report on crimes committed against the media. “Investigative journalism plays a crucial role in exposing crimes against journalists, unveiling the truth and holding perpetrators to account. This workshop will empower Somali journalists with the skills to uncover the circumstances in which their fallen colleagues were killed while enabling them to pursue these vital stories safely and effectively,” Froger remarked, outlining the objectives of the training.

Participants, including journalists from Mogadishu and the five federal member states (FMSs), are receiving training in methods for documenting cases of violence, utilising secure digital tools and tracking patterns of attacks against journalists. The workshop also includes modules focused on protecting sensitive information, providing evidence-based coverage and supporting advocacy efforts. Through real-time simulations and case studies, journalists will apply these investigative techniques to real-world scenarios, equipping them to better understand the risks and responsibilities involved in reporting on violence against journalists.

The investigative workshop reflects the broader mission of NUSOJ, with support from UNESCO’s GMDF, to transform remembrance into concrete action to confront the culture of impunity surrounding crimes committed against journalists. By empowering local journalists with the tools they need to hold perpetrators accountable, the programme aims to keep cases of violence against the media in the public eye, justice rendered and advocacy in the spotlight.

Source: NUSOJ