Somalia’s endangered journalists get a safe Media House

Wilfred Mulliro

Mogadishu (Alshahid) – In view of the danger that the few bold journalists remaining in war- torn Somalia face, a new media house has been opened in Mogadishu capital of Somalia to provide Somali journalists with a safe place to work, as well as a center for journalism training.  

“Opening this media house at this challenging time is a courageous and bold step taken by Somali journalists,” said Yusuf Aynte, a Member of Parliament. “This house will assist them as they continue to devote their services to the country”.

The Executive Director of the media house, Abdulahi Hassan, said during its launch that its purpose was twofold: to provide journalists with a safe working environment and to offer training so as to improve their skills in journalism. 

Journalists will have a place to work, to stay and to access state-of -art equipment necessary to conduct their work.  

Speaking at the launch of the media house, its interim Chairman, Abdirahim Isse, said journalists faced a tough time working in Mogadishu. “This project will not cover everything but it will try to ensure priorities are covered as much as possible,” he said. “Some Somali media experts in Mogadishu have also volunteered to assist with media training,” he revealed.  

Hawo Mohamud Ali from the Somali Women Journalists Association (SOWJA), said: “Our young Somali female journalists will be able to greatly benefit from the training provided here. They will be the first to be enrolled here as soon as is possible.”

The centre, which is equipped with computers and internet access, will be used as an editing studio and resource centre to facilitate journalists’ work.

Somalia journalists work under difficult circumstances as they have to toe the whims of various rebel groups on one side and the government on the other. This is besides many being killed and threatened.