Mogadishu – Somalia, 22 December 2025: Members of the Somali Media Association (SOMA) convened for a membership meeting on Gender in Media and broader challenges facing the Somali media sector. The meeting provided a platform for discussion on gender equality, newsroom practices, and the conditions necessary for independent and professional journalism.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Secretary General of SOMA delivered a press statement expressing serious concerns regarding recent actions by the National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (NIEBC) that threaten media freedom and journalistic independence ahead of the Benadir Region local council elections scheduled for 25 December.
SOMA is deeply concerned about the establishment of a media committee composed of nine individuals nominated by the NIEBC, tasked with overseeing media operations during the election period through a proposed Code of Conduct. This committee conducted training for journalists ahead of the upcoming elections. Ultimately, journalists were threatened with arrest if they failed to comply with the Code of Conduct, and they refused to sign the contract, resulting in the cancellation of the meeting. The Commission does not have the legal authority to set or enforce a media code of conduct, as this responsibility lies with Parliament under the Interim Constitution, in consultation with media stakeholders.
These actions represent clear interference in the independent work of journalists and media houses, contradicting constitutional guarantees and international standards on freedom of expression and press freedom. The mandate of the NIEBC is to ensure free, fair, credible, and transparent elections, not to control editorial decisions or journalistic content. Attempts to do so blur institutional boundaries, undermine democratic norms, and erode public trust in both the electoral process and state institutions.
The Secretary General of SOMA strongly condemns these actions, describing them as inconsistent with internationally recognized standards governing democratic elections and media freedom. He stated:
“Any attempt to control or influence media coverage during elections undermines democratic principles and puts the credibility of the electoral process at serious risk. We call on all institutions to respect the independence of journalists and uphold international best practices.”
SOMA calls on the NIEBC to focus on its core responsibilities, particularly safeguarding electoral integrity and transparency, and to fully respect the independence and professionalism of journalists and media institutions. The Somali media will continue to report on the elections independently, guided by professional ethics, accuracy, balance, and journalistic integrity, without undue interference from any institution.
SOMA reiterates that a free, independent, and pluralistic media is essential for credible elections and democratic governance. Any attempt to undermine media freedom violates democratic principles and erodes public confidence in the electoral process. SOMA urges the NIEBC to reconsider its approach, engage constructively with media stakeholders, and uphold press freedom, transparency, and accountability throughout the electoral period.
In conclusion, SOMA emphasizes that security agencies must respect and protect journalists, ensuring they can carry out their work safely at poll stations across the region. Journalists must be able to report freely without fear, enabling citizens to access accurate and timely information during the elections.
