19 October 2009

IFJ Calls for Unity and Condemns Somali Attacks on Journalism Community

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today called for a united front among Somali journalists - both inside the country and in exile - in the fight for justice, democracy and press freedom.

The IFJ does so while confirming its full solidarity and support for the National Union of Somali Journalists, the legitimate and representative organ and voice of journalists in Somalia.

The IFJ is seriously concerned at recent exchanges between different groups claiming to represent and speak for Somali journalists, some of whom have political links.

"Attempts to discredit NUSOJ, its leadership and some media houses have no other impact but to assist and encourage the enemies of press freedom and independent journalism in the region. The use of intemperate language and character assassination discredits journalism and what we stand for," said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary.

The IFJ is concerned that some of those engaged in these activities are not recognised media professionals. "Media professionals in Somalia have shown great courage and commitment. It is imperative that a new mood of co-operation and unity around the established media community is created," said White.

The IFJ says it will investigate attempts that have been made to destabilise the unity of Somali journalists.

"The IFJ will always stand by those who fight for ethical standards and media independence, who show solidarity with journalists in need and who are committed to resolving problems through the democracy provided by the National Union of Somali Journalists," said White.

For more information contact the IFJ at   +32 2 235 2207       

The IFJ represents over 600,000 journalists in 123 countries worldwide

 

Somalia, East Africa, Africa, Press Release

Comments :

Guutaale

21 October 2009 at 17:31

I am very happy the call of IFJ about the Unity of Somali Journalists, I am very Much concerned the unity of Somali Journalist both of Inside and those Exiled. I hope those whose attempts are to discredit National Union of Somali Journalists must stop that. Let us support NUSOJ.

Women Journalists in Action

27 October 2009 at 05:34

Condemn 26/10/2009 The Women Journalists in Action (Woja) expressing extreme condemning letter against the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ). The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) called for a united front among Somali journalists - both inside the country and in exile - in the fight for justice, democracy and press freedom which is totally vice verse. The IFJ claims that they supports journalists and their unions, industrial and professional rights and they had established an International Safety Fund to provide humanitarian aid for journalists in need but their actions on the ground are telling us what reality is. We are mentioning here that IFJ is not middle federation for the Somali journalist and they support always some parts which are just their opinion followers and those are not representative of the Somali free Journalist union. So Women Journalists in Action (Woja) are calling to IFJ to stop Neglect and Self-interest and to accept the rights of the whole Somali journalist and the elder’s journalist “Journalists must be allowed to fulfill their journalistic duty, free from fear of discrimination or physical violence,” said Sahra Keef. "We are extremely concerned about the deterioration of press freedom. Prepared By: The coordinator of Women Journalist in Action (WOJA) Sahra Mohamud Koronto (Keef)

Somali Exiled Journalists Association

27 October 2009 at 05:36

Somalia:Showing our disappointment about the IFJ's comments of Somali Journalists matters‏ We the Somali exiled journalists Associations known as SEJASS. We were very shocked the news from International Federation Journalists (IFJ) that was IFJ concedes that NUSOJ is the only legitimate organ of Somali journalist sector knowing that NUSOJ doesn’t do anything for Somali Journalists both inside the country and in exile. SEJASS also disappointed to learn a very respectful senior of IFJ has started to discriminate Somali journalist organizations which shows that IFJ has directly interfered Somali media while getting the information from individual who haven’t the real life of every Somali journalist is going through. We also wish to ask IFJ if we came and studied our problems then finally came to gather and our own organization is it part of our human right and democracy to do so. If the answer is yes, why NUSOJ is organizing meetings that to disturb the unity of the newly election Somali Exiled Journalists Association? It is extremely unpleasant and unnecessarily dangerous for NUSOJ to engage in smear campaign for the purpose of character assassination. This sort of actions not only aggravates the antagonism against the Somali media but also create undesired hatred within the media stakeholders in Somalia. We also call on the IFJ to immediately halt meddling with the internal of Somali media and stop its subtle actions of setting one Somali media organization against others. This intrusive actions by the IFJ not only exacerbates resentment within the Somali Media organization but also tarnish the image of the IFJ in Africa media establishments. Thanks in advance Somali Exiled Journalists Association Chairman Mohamed Abdullahi Adan ( SIIDII) sejassinfo@yahoo.com

Abdullahi

31 October 2009 at 22:50

Every job has a rule of responsibility, and journalists has a code and conduct of wok, so i think Somali journalists do work, but they created a lot of groups like politicians, so it is much needed to accomplish a goal which is to work for the people and having a unity voice for the Somali jounalist inside and outside of the country.

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