The Djiboutian Journalists' Association (AJD) on Sunday (February 3rd) held an awards ceremony for the second annual Prize for Press Excellence, Djibouti's La Nation reported.

Minister of Culture and Communications Abdi Houssein Ahmed hosted the ceremony, also attended by Secretary of State for National Solidarity Zahra Youssouf Kayad.

"Through this award, AJD wants to contribute to the promotion of the press in our country, to create a spirit of competition within the community, to promote investigative journalism and to encourage journalists to excel in their field on a daily basis," said AJD President Kenedid Ibrahim.

Said Dimbio of Djibouti Television and Radio won a prize for his fictional work on forced marriage. Photographer Abdourahman Yahya was recognised for his montage and installation work, Arafat Ibrahim for composing radio jingles, Aboubaker Mohamed Halloyta for his photographic work, and Roukiya Doualeh of La Nation for design and layout. The magazine DjibOut was recognised for excellence as well.

International watchdog Freedom House lists Djibouti as one of the worst countries for freedom of the press, despite its inclusion in the constitution. Freedom of the press in Djibuoti gained international attention last year when authorities held an opposition journalist in prison for more than three months without trial.