Mogadishu, October 18, 2018: The Somali Media Association (SOMA) unifying
more than 36 media stations operational in South and Central Somalia, registered
with the Ministry of Information, and working in Mogadishu and in all over the five
Somali regional states administrations is deeply concerned with how the bidding
competition for the Somali constitutional review process media campaign is being
administered and managed.
We are regretting the Ministry of Constitutional Affairs has offered the bidding competition
for the Somali Constitutional Review Process Media Campaign on unfairly manner, which is
Incompatible with the model of bidding for the government projects where it has mentioned
the media could compete for the bidding in an independently and transparency manner. This
will hugely damage the the reputation and transparency of the Ministry of Constitutional
Affairs.
We are very concerned that Mr. Mohamed Abukar Zubeyr, Director General of the Ministry
of Constitutional Affairs and other high government officials are involved in the selection
process of the media competing for the bidding of for the Somali constitutional review
process media campaign
We are worried and warning that the high ranking government officials are intending to
consider a production company which is owned by high profile government official, and this
amounts to conflict of interest.
Suggestion
With all the due respect for the Ministry of the Constitutional Affairs, we are suggesting the
Parliament, the office of Prime Minister and the United Nation Development Program
(UNDP) to inspect how the bidding process for the government programs are managed and
the transparency of the managing authorities such as the Ministry of Constitutional Affairs
and the bidding for the Somali Constitutional Review Process and Media Campaign.
END
ALERTS:
- SOMA concluded training on human rights monitoring, reporting and freedom of expression in Beledweyne City, Hirshabelle State
- SOMA concluded stakeholders’ meeting on improving freedom of expression, safety of journalists and access to information in Baidoa, South West State.
- SOMA oo maanta Baydhabo ku qabatay Kulan looga hadlaayay helitaanka xogta bad qabka wariyaha iyo xuriyada Hadalka.
- SOMA and FESOJ express concern over the detention of the Journalist Ali nor Salad
- Second Press Release from Somali Mechanism for Safety of Journalists (SMSJ) towards the concerned national media council of Somalia.