The National Union of the Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) hails local journalists initiative to launch a long-awaited media organization for peace and development as timely and much needed initiative.

An international award-winning journalist Mustafe Haji Abdinur is the leading light of this organisation, the Somali Media for Peace and Development (SOMEPED). Somalia and Somalis need media that contributes the re-establishment of peace & stability and building of confidence & trust among communities, rather than a media that is a source of hatred and a mastermind of conflict.

The launch of SOMEPED is a testimony that Somali journalists who cover world’s most difficult and dangerous stories decided to help support the development of the media for the sake of peaceful Somalia.

“Media has the potential to influence Somalis and international community. We support the establishment of SOMEPED because we want it to help Somali media to play positive agenda-setting role for peaceful Somalia,” said Abdirashid Abdullahi Haydar, NUSOJ Secretary for Labour Issues. “We endorse and embrace SOMEPED and Mustafe as it leader. We will do all in our power to propel SOMEPED to achieve it mission”.

NUSOJ believes that Mustafe’s bravery as a journalist and his dedication to tell the stories of the suffering people is a good demonstration of why SOMEPED was created.  “We all know that one person can make a real difference and Mustafe is incredible inspiring person for Somali journalists,” Abdirashid added.

Mr. Mustafe Haji Abdinur, who is an active member of the National Union of Somali Journalists, received in November 2009 the internationally celebrated press freedom award of the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) in New York for his dedication to free press in his country and throughout the world.

“I was recognized for being committed to advocating for free press and that is why I’m so encouraged to bring something that could make sense for my country and people. We need as journalists to champion for peace”, Mr. Nur said.