SRS Hosts Consultation to Address Challenges Facing Somali Journalists

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: More than 30 journalists took part in a one-day consultation meeting in Mogadishu on Saturday, organized by the Safe Reporters of Somalia (SRS).

The discussions centered on the daily challenges Somali journalists face, particularly those working in the capital, and explored ways to improve press freedom, ethics, and professional safety.

Senior SRS officials, media house directors, and journalists exchanged views on issues ranging from protecting reporters’ rights to the urgent need for more training and capacity-building programs.

“Journalists in Somalia face enormous challenges every single day, from threats to their safety to violations of their rights,” SRS spokesperson Hanad Ali Guled said. “That is why SRS remains committed to advocating for their protection and creating opportunities for them to strengthen their skills.”

Participants emphasized that improving professional ethics and ensuring stronger protection mechanisms were essential for safeguarding press freedom.

SRS leaders pledged to organize free training programs aimed at enhancing Somali journalists’ knowledge and capacity.

“This training initiative is part of our core mission,” explained Abdinasir Hersi Iidle, senior SRS board member. “We want to equip journalists with the tools they need to uphold ethics and report with confidence despite the challenges they face.”

The consultation concluded with participants warmly welcoming SRS’s efforts in defending press freedom and pledging their support for continued collaboration.

“The exchange of ideas today was healthy and constructive,” said Hassan Mohamud Mahamed, also an SRS board member. “We will continue to push for greater media development measures in the near future, because a strong media sector is essential for Somalia’s progress.”

SRS believes that such consultations provide an essential platform for identifying and addressing the recurring challenges faced by the Somali media sector. Through open dialogue and collective problem-solving, these forums create opportunities to strengthen professional standards, promote ethical journalism, and encourage collaboration among media stakeholders. SRS further emphasizes that knowledgeable and impartial journalists are not only instrumental in ensuring accurate and balanced reporting, but also play a critical role in fostering reconciliation, building public trust, and contributing to the country’s broader development and democratic progress.

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