Journalists and stakeholders in the media industry in Somalia Friday began a three-day conference in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, to discuss issues pertaining to media practice in the Horn of Africa country.
The Somali National Journalists Conference, whose theme is “Professional Journalism: Responsibility in a situation of violence and Securityâ€, will afford the participants the opportunity to discuss ideas and challenges they face in their duties at home.
Opening the conference, the Kenyan Vice President, Kalonzo Musyoka, urged the journalists to uphold professionalism in their work in order to save their country.
Musyoka, who has been involved in finding a lasting solution to the civil and humanitarian problems bedeviling Somalia, appealed to the international community to remain engaged in Somalia’s delicate political and social situation.
“Indeed, the international community cannot afford to give up on Somalia as are stive Somalia is an attractive haven for terrorism, and ultimately a threat to international peace,†he added.
The VP encouraged Somali journalists not to be dampened by the difficult circums tances they face such as threats, injuries and killings in the line of duty, saying that they should adequately cover events in their country to attract assistance from the international community.
Kenyan trade unionist and President of the Trade Unions Confederation of East Africa, Francis Atwoli, urged the media in Somalia to forge a strong relationship and synergies with other trade unions in their country to develop a common agenda
for social justice as a strategy for fighting impunity and bringing normalcy to their crisis-hit country.
He appealed to journalists not only in Somalia but also within the region to avert the development of any ill advised campaign that would stir the negative impulses of cynicism.
Omar Faruk Osman, Secretary General of the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), agreed with the sentiments, observing that journalists should show solidarity with the Somali people.
He added that Somali leaders should take responsibility for their people by eradicating corruption, refusing to motivate journalists politically and ensuring proper working conditions for the people.
The Secretary General, International Federation of Journalists, Aiden White, said journalists should make sure that the people were properly informed, especially in times of war.
He called for government’s protection of journalists to ensure objectivity in media coverage.
Source: Afriquejet
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Nairobi – 24/07/2009
