Press Release

Since the incumbent leadership of Somaliland Journalist Association (SOLJA) took office on January 7, 2015, a lot of activities have been done in accordance with the organization’s vision which is to advocate and develop the media in the country.

During the first month of the incumbent leadership’s term, the organization managed the release of two journalists, Ahmed Ciiltire of Royal TV detained in Borama and Ali Hajar of Somali Channel TV detained in Zailac.

Currently, the organization is working for the release of two journalists Mohamed Abdilahi Sofadhiste, a Somali Channel TV and Berbera Today news website reporter who was given a seven day remand by Berbera court and Yusuf Mohamed Hassan, the editor of Horn Tribune newspaper, detained in Ethiopia for more than a month according to an information received by SOLJA.

 

.SOLJA has made contacts with the concerned authorities regarding the detention of the two journalists, and the organization is very hopeful that the two journalists will get their freedom back soon. During their detention period the organization took tangible steps regarding the release of the two detained journalists where it urged the concerned authorities to immediately drop the charges brought against them.

 

During their first month in office, the new SOLJA leadership had met with a number of local companies, where the companies pledged to support the renovation of the organization’s headquarters and efforts of seeking further trainings, skills and equipment for Somaliland Journalists.

 

A number of high ranking delegates from the international community and international organizations who support the free press also visited the organization’s headquarters where they met with the new SOLJA leadership. The delegates who paid visit to the organization’s headquarters include: Resident Coordination Advisor for the UN Resident Coordinator Office (UNRCO), Mr. Gavin Roy, the Director of Policy & Programs, FREE PRESS UNLIMITED Mr. Leon Williams, the Italian Ambassador to Somalia Mr. Farbizio Marcelli, INTERNEWS agency officials as well as World Bank officials.

 

Similarly, Fojo Media International and International Media Support (IMS) agencies have made contacts with the organization where the organization’s new leadership met and exchanged information with their representatives.

 

SOLJA also established a good relationship with the Somali Media Support Group, which acts as an umbrella for the agencies, embassies and the governments that support media development projects.

 

It is noteworthy to mention that Mr. Gavin Roy of the UNRCO helped SOLJA to establish contacts with the Somali Media Support Group.

 

Therefore, the new SOLJA leadership is urging Somaliland government to strengthen its cooperation with the local media and to take the onus of removing obstacles that inhibit journalists from realizing their goals.

 

Also the new SOLJA leadership calls the country’s journalist and media institutions to ensure their news items in accordance with the journalism ethics and the laws of the country.

 

Finally, since the media took lion’s share for the development and democratization of the country, SOLJA welcomes anyone who can contribute to the development of Somaliland media, while requesting media members to avoid anything that harm the country’s image.

 

Mohamoud Abdi Jama

 

SOLJA Chairman