National Union of Somali Journalists (Mogadishu)
13 October 2008
press release
The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) welcomed official speeches from Puntland authorities to boost up protection of journalists and improve current media environment in Puntland regions.
Puntland Ministers, who attended a five-day workshop in Bossasso on strengthening professional, responsible and responsive journalism, which was organised by NUSOJ in collaboration with UNESCO and Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), expressed their willingness to bring to an end various restrictions against the media.
Puntland Minister of Information Abdirahman Mohamed Bangah capacity building efforts for Puntland journalists and stated that Puntland guarantees access to information for all journalists. "Journalists play vital in our society and as politicians we are indebted to help them carry out their professional duties" the minister said. "I instruct public officers to work closely with journalists and provide them the information they need".
NUSOJ expressed its concerns of continuing threats and violence against journalists and media in Puntland by independent armed groups as well security forces of Puntland. "We recommend Puntland authorities to ensure that no restriction is imposed on journalists, particularly this time that Puntland is heading elections so that the media professionals are able to play their role of facilitating increased and informed debate among the people in which the positions of all stakeholders are heard, and this will only be possible if journalists and media are free to report independently" said Abdirisak Omar Ismail, Chairperson of NUSOJ Supreme Council.
Puntland Minister for International Cooperation Ali Abdi Aware also praised NUSOJ's efforts to professionalise media work, particularly enhancing skills of journalists. "Forthcoming elections require journalists to show responsibility and professionalism" the Ali Abdi said. "Puntland will allow the media to continue its work without hindrance".
Burhan Ahmed Dahir, NUSOJ Representative in Puntland insisted on that Puntland authorities need to make an environment that facilitates the media to report on the elections effectively and safely free from attack.
The workshop, which is part set of workshops that NUSOJ is conducting in southern, central and Puntland regions, was opportunity for journalists from Radio of Voice of Peace, SBC Radio & TV, ETN Television, Daljir Radio, Kaaha Bari Newspaper, several news websites and freelance journalists to have face-to-face interaction with Puntland officials on pressing issues.
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