Mogadishu, Somalia — Independent Media Council of Somalia (IMCS) condemned the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) for its recent decision to include a representative from the controversial “Somali Media Council” in its awards system. This move has sparked outrage among Somali media practitioners, who see it as a legitimization of an entity established with the intent of suppressing free journalism and undermining independent media organizations in the country.
In a statement, the IMCS expressed its shock and disappointment, highlighting that the decision contradicts IGAD’s purported mission to promote excellence in journalism. “While IGAD claims to be promoting professional excellence in journalism, its actions today through this awards process have demonstrated that it is facilitating and legitimizing an oppressive outfit,” the IMCS statement read.
The “Somali Media Council” has faced significant backlash since its inception, which critics argue was a direct violation of the amended media law of 2020. Journalists in Somalia have long endured a challenging environment marked by targeted killings, forced media closures, and systemic repression. The IMCS warns that IGAD’s endorsement of the council risks further entrenching these oppressive practices, setting a perilous precedent for media freedom in the region.
The IMCS called upon IGAD to immediately halt any efforts to legitimize the so-called media council. “These actions not only threaten the safety and freedom of Somali journalists but also undermine the fundamental principles of press freedom that are crucial for any democratic society,” the statement emphasized.
They also urged IGAD to realign its efforts with the values of press freedom and the protection of journalists, rather than supporting entities that operate in direct opposition to these principles. The IMCS remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for a free and independent media landscape in Somalia, an essential pillar for democracy and accountability.
The IMCS and other media advocates in Somalia continue to monitor IGAD’s actions closely, urging a reevaluation of its approach to media relations and support for genuine, independent journalism. The council’s appeal comes amid growing concerns about the safety of journalists and the shrinking space for free expression in Somalia, a nation still grappling with the ramifications of years of conflict and instability.
