Leaders call for objective and robust coverage of elections, praise Goobjoog as it marks 4th anniversary

Leaders and media industry players have called on the media in Somalia to play the lead role in promoting democratic ideals and participatory political process as the country prepares for elections in August.

Speaking during celebrations to mark the fourth anniversary of Goobjoog Media Group in Mogadishu Thursday, the leaders said the media should also uphold professional tenets of objectivity, balance and independence in covering the electoral process.

Deputy information minister Abdullahi Roble said the media should maintain objectivity in their coverage in order to inspire public confidence in the electoral process. “More than before, there is need for objective coverage of the elections to enable citizen participation and understanding of the electoral process. The public depends largely on the media for information regarding the elections especially as we head to the elections this year,” Roble said.

National Union of Somalia Journalists, NUSOJ Secretary General Mohamed Moalimuu echoed similar sentiments noting the media should not advance clan differences but instead engage in responsible reporting. “Our journalists must practice responsible reporting and be guided by professional principles. We should not be influenced by clan or tribal differences. We should borrow a leaf from the Kenyan media on their coverage of the 2013 elections,” Moalimu said.

Moalimuu lauded Goobjoog Media Group for its stance on professionalism and quality noting it was only through such a direction that the media can occupy its rightful place as the Fourth Estate.

While calling for objective coverage of the elections, former Mogadishu mayor Mohamud Noor Tarzan praised Goobjoog for living true to its philosophy on public service journalism. “Goobjoog has steadily grown within this short time because of its corporate social responsibility and professionalism,” said Tarzan.

The Director of Social Affairs at the Prime Minister’s officer Mariam Adan also singled out Goobjoog for its dedication to service to the public citing the refugee crisis response in Yemen last year when the country plunged into war. “Goobjoog Media Group was the only media house which approached us and we worked together in rescuing and returning fellow Somalis who were trapped in the war in Yemen last year. Such act of public service is quite commendable,” said Adan.

During the operation, Goobjoog Media Group mobilised contributions of upwards of $100,000 towards the exercise and sent reporters to cover the process in Yemen. Goobjoog also led the drought response campaign this year for emergency humanitarian supplies in northern Somalia.