Mogadishu 20 March 2024: The Civil Society umbrella of (SONSA) is deeply concerned and vehemently opposes the recent approval by the Federal Government’s cabinet, in its meeting on March 14, 2024, of the appointed members to the National Media Council.
It is with great regret that we observe the Ministry of Information’s persistence in attempting to establish a media council for the second time, despite evident violations of media laws. It is disheartening that we seem not to have learned from past mistakes, which led to the failure to establish a functioning media council.
In light of this, the Civil Society deems this action as contradictory to the stipulations of the media law, particularly Article 14, Sections 1 to 6, which delineate the framework and composition of the Somali Media Council. As per the law, the Council must be independent and established through consultation with the Minister of Information, Broadcasters Associations, and the Chairperson of Civil Society.
Furthermore, the law mandates that Council members are drawn from specified categories, including three members from State Media (including one female), three members from Private Media, and three members from Civil Society organizations.
In upholding the integrity of the media law and safeguarding the independence and activities of the media, we earnestly urge the Prime Minister of the Federal Government to reconsider the composition of the Media Council members approved by the cabinet on March 14, 2024. Additionally, Civil Society calls upon the relevant committees within the Federal Parliament to intervene and prevent the unconstitutional establishment of this Council.
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