International Freedom of Expression Exchange Clearing House (Toronto)
1 April 2004
For the first time in Somalia, press-freedom violations will be systematically documented and reported, thanks to efforts by the Somali branch of the Eastern Media Institute (EAMI-S) and support from the Danish agency, International Media Support (IMS).
EAMI-S has formed a network of five correspondents who will report on press-freedom violations in Somalia, beginning in the capital, Mogadishu.
The initiative arose out of a successful four-day seminar EAMI-S conducted on 15 May in Mogadishu. With funding from IMS, 23 participants at the seminar learned how to gather, compile and report violations using the action alert format pioneered by the International Freedom of Expression eXchange (IFEX).
Before the formation of this group there was no systematic gathering on information relating to press freedom violations in Somalia, EAMI-S says. EAMI-S says it plans to look for opportunities to expand the monitoring network to cover Southern Regions as well as the Puntland Autonomous Region in Northeastern Somalia, where relations between media and local government are tense.
EAMI-S was established in June 2001. Its programmes include training for local journalists, regional networking and lobbying against repressive media laws.
For more information, contact Abdulkadir Mohamoud Walayo, Eastern Africa Media Institute Somalia Chapter; Tel: +252 1 217955; +252 1 650870; +252 59 32510; Cell phone: +252 501600; E-mail: walaayo@yahoo.com.
For details on IMS' work in Somalia, visit http://www.i-m-s.dk/?ID=65&SMID=65.
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