Somalia security forces reaffirms commitment to uphold freedom of expression and safety of journalists

“Previously, the media and the army were not seeing eye to eye, but we have seen areas of common interest. I believe the military will benefit significantly from such trainings”, said Lieutenant Mohamed Diriye, Deputy Director of the Somali National Army Radio, as the three-day UNESCO training of security forces on freedom of expression and safety of journalists closes in Mogadishu, Somalia.

25 security officers and 15 journalists from Mogadishu, Kismaio, Jowhar, Baidoa, Dhuusomareb, Garoowe, Beledweyne, Galkayo, and Baidoa undertook the three-day interactive course. The course aimed to strengthen their capacities to uphold the right to freedom of expression and access to information for citizens, to equip them with a better understanding of the roles and functions of journalists in democratic societies, and to establish professional working relationships between police and journalists.

The training which took place from 1 to 3 May coincided with the 30th Anniversary of World Press Freedom Day which called for deliberate efforts to protect press freedom, because if everything is alright in the news, then something is wrong with journalism. And when journalism is compromised, then human rights cannot be protected.

Leading the training was international expert trainer Philippe Perez, assisted by Maj. Sadik Aden Ali, spokesperson of the Somali Police Force, and Mark Wall, UNESCO Representative in Somalia. The officers were taken through theoretical and practical exercises to assist them in improving on accountability and transparency with the public. In addition, the security forces were able to interact with journalists and dialogue on various real-life scenarios.

Through the mock crime scene exercise, journalists better appreciated the sensitivity of crime scenes and the importance of police information centers. Moreover, they learnt firsthand that personal safety under such scenarios is paramount while they work to inform the public, and better collaboration with the police would ensure their safety and that of evidence and victims.

Borrowing from regional experiences, Senior Superintendent of Police Mr. Jared Ojuok of the Kenya Police Service shared the Kenyan experience on the relations between the Kenya Police and the media. Police officers were made aware of the importance of establishing a vibrant communication channel with the public and the media through social media platforms, verification of information and complaints handling while upholding the law.

Maj. Diini Roble, Police Spokesperson of the Federal Member State of Hershebelle, said: “There has existed misunderstanding between police and the media. I hope to have a similar training in my state and help to improve relations between our police and the media.” Additionally, the special prosecutor from the Attorney General’s Office, Federal Government of Somalia, Mr. Farhan Hussein Mohammed, highlighted the critical role played by the Attorney General’s Office in the prosecution and investigation of abuses against journalists and the legal aid available to journalists in Somalia.