The training was aiming for promoting the capacity of security forces to defend citizens'

The Federation of Somali Journalists (FESOJ) has concluded a two – day training for 25 journalists and 5 police officers on freedom of expression, the safety of journalists and public order in Mogadishu ahead of the elections in Somalia.

The training held in partnership with the Finnish Foundation for Media and Development (VIKES) with funding from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland has been conducted from 10th to 11th April 2021 at Hotel Sahafi in Mogadishu city, Somalia.

The training was aiming for promoting the capacity of security forces to defend citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and information by improving journalist safety. The capacity-building program was intended to create effective professional relationships between the journalists and the police force achieve a better environment for freedom of expression for all the public as well.

The key participants of the training program were journalists and managers from the various sectors of the media outlets including radio stations, TV stations, websites, newspapers and media associations. Police officers were also in attendance at the training program.

In his opening speech, Farah Omar Nur, Secretary-General of the Federation of Somali Journalists (FESOJ) said: "The training is aiming to establish improved better understanding between the journalists and the police to facilitate debate and discussion to remove mistrust in order to create a conducive environment to the safety of journalists, access of information, freedom of expression and public order.”

Abadir Abdulkadir Elmi, Chairman of FESOJ on his part expressed pleasure to be implementing the training at a time when the country is preparing for elections and indicated the significance of strengthening cooperation between the police and the journalists to solve the challenges the journalists are experiencing.

We appreciate FESOJ and VIKES for undertaking this type of training program, there are force major events during the elections, like police forces, we have a responsibility to ensure public security, especially for the safety of the journalists and the media.” Sadiq Aden Ali, the Spokesman of the Somali Police Force said in his opening remarks.

During the 2 – day training sessions, the participants were taken through thematic topics on how to communicate with the media, operational safety procedures when dealing with the journalists and freedom of expression, how the security forces can ensure the journalists can access the information they need to pass to the public.

Moreover, the Journalists were given an opportunity to interact, ask direct questions and comments regarding their safety and security with the police officers in attendance at the gathering. The key question posed focused on the challenges they encounter as journalists during news collection, coverage of demonstrations and the need to ensure their safety and protection of their media equipment in Mogadishu city and elsewhere of the country.

In response, it was suggested the security agencies and the media should have close cooperation and any complaint against the journalists and the media should be passed through the legal process. In addition, it was advised the journalists should respect the ethics of the media.

Ahmed Esse Gutale from the Somali Media Association (SOMA) has spoken about the significance and timing of such training has closed the training program. He expressed the expectation that the impact of the capacity building will eventually improve the safety of the journalists, the media and the public order.

In conclusion, each of the participating journalists and the police officers have been provided with a printed copy of the booklet entitled "Journalist Know Your Rights”.

The booklet published by FESOJ in partnership with the Finnish Foundation for media and development (VIKES), EU Mission in Somalia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland is intended to raise the awareness and understanding capacity of the Somali journalists concerning their labor rights.