The Board of Directors of the Somaliland Journalists Association (SOLJA) today held its quarterly meeting, which reviewed the activities of the past four months and outlined the plan for the upcoming quarter.

The meeting concluded with the following key points:
1. Media Law
The Board commended the efforts of the House of Representatives in advancing the Media Law and urged its swift approval to establish a strong legal framework that guarantees press freedom.
2. Protection of Journalists
The Board agreed to strengthen mechanisms for protecting journalists, with the aim of ending recurring arbitrary arrests.
3. Cawke Award
The Board revised the structure of the annual Cawke Award, deciding that it will now honor outstanding journalists who make significant contributions to social affairs and development.
4. Advancement of Media Education
The Board resolved to prioritize the establishment of Journalism Faculties in the Awdal and Togdheer regions this year, in order to address the growing demand for training and professional media knowledge.
5. Implementation of Media Committee Recommendations
Finally, the Board stressed the importance of fully implementing the resolutions of the ministerial committee appointed by the President on media affairs, which include:

• Ending the unlawful detention of journalists.
  Establishing a National Media Commission, which is urgently needed at this time.