Dhuusamareeb city, Saturday, May 27, 2023: The Somali Media Association (SOMA) has concluded a 3-day workshop training on improving the safety of journalists through capacity building in Dhuusamareeb city, Galmudug State.
The training organized by SOMA and supported by IMS/FOJO has been participated by twenty journalists from the various cities of Adado, Abudwaq, Guriel, Galkacyo and Galdogob under the administration of Galmudug and Puntland states.
In his opening remarks, Mohamed Osman Makaran, Secretary of the Somali Media Association (SOMA) explained the intention of the training and the number of journalists benefiting from the capacity building program on promoting the safety of journalists.
Furthermore, according to Mohamed Osman Makaran, Secretary General of SOMA; the significant part of the purpose of the trainings was to improve the safety of journalists operating in risky and hostile environment through building their capacity in mainly ensuring their safety.
He pointed out the risks against the journalists has increased, and mentioned the last case of Zoobe II bomb attack where one journalist was killed and two others were injured in double –suicide bombing that have happened at Zoobe junction in Mogadishu on October 29, 2022.
“We receive with appreciation the training on the safety of journalists; which SOMA has launched in Dhuusamareeb city of Galmudug State.” Mohamud Osman Abdulla , Chairman of Galmudug Journalists Association (GALJA) said.
In addition, Hussein Hersi Farah, Deputy Minister of Information of Galmudug State commended the journalists for their efforts in maintaining their safety and praised SOMA for the efforts its undertaking.
“The training has special significance for the journalists since the country is currently at war.”
Mohamed Osman Makaran, Secretary General of SOMA said in his closing remarks. He advised the participating journalists in the training to apply what they have learned at their respective centers and cities so the media could have a better safer place.
Some of the participant have pointed out to have benefited much from the training related with the protection of the journalist which they said will make a lot of difference in their safety.
With the 3- day training workshop, the Somali Media Association (SOMA) intended to improve the safety of the Somali journalists and the security of their workplaces so they could get much safer place to work with.
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