National Union of Somali Journalists http://www.nusoj.org Fighting For Journalists' Rights, Freedoms and Safety Sun, 17 Aug 2008 19:21:50 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 en Puntland Arrests Journalist, Restricts media covering Presidential Elections http://www.nusoj.org/152/puntland-arrests-journalist-restricts-media-covering-presidential-elections http://www.nusoj.org/152/puntland-arrests-journalist-restricts-media-covering-presidential-elections#comments Sun, 17 Aug 2008 19:21:50 +0000 Editor http://www.nusoj.org/?p=152 The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) today condemns the arrest of Mohammed Mohamud, Director of Radio Daljir in Bossasso.

Around 12:30pm local time, Puntland Police Chief summoned journalist Mohammed Mohamud, publicly known Welcome, at Central Police Station of Bari Region after the Radio Station was accused for covering election campaign of Mr Nuradin Adan Diriye, one of presidential candidates of Puntland Regional State.

Gani Mohammed Haji Abdi, Police General Commander of Puntland, stated the journalist and the radio station breached presidential degree which was ordering not to cover presidential campaigns until 1st of November 2008.

“Locking up a journalist for covering election campaign like our colleague Mohammed Mohamud is legally baseless and is part of widespread campaign to restrict public’s right to information” said Omar Faruk Osman, NUSOJ Secretary General. “We demand immediate and unconditional release of Mohamed Mohamud”.

Many journalists in Puntland stated they have been frequently threatened and censored by police and Puntland’s powerful political figures. They said that they have been prevented intentionally from covering certain news stories or events, such as visits of presidential candidates to certain regions and districts, and were warned that they would face arrest if they report news deemed unwanted by the authorities or powerful politicians.

Governor of Bari Region Muse Gelle Yusuf told journalists on Saturday, 16 August 2008, that media is prohibited to cover or participate in campaigns for presidential elections before 1st of November 2008 as the governor referred degree from Puntland President.

“This degree from Puntland President and statements from Putnland officials severely restrict the right to freedom of expression ahead of Puntland’s presidential elections” said Omar Faruk Osman.

]]> http://www.nusoj.org/152/puntland-arrests-journalist-restricts-media-covering-presidential-elections/feed Muzzling Freedom of the Press: Journalists in the Line of Fire with Impunity http://www.nusoj.org/149/muzzling-freedom-of-the-press-journalists-in-the-line-of-fire-with-impunity http://www.nusoj.org/149/muzzling-freedom-of-the-press-journalists-in-the-line-of-fire-with-impunity#comments Wed, 30 Jul 2008 19:54:45 +0000 Editor http://www.nusoj.org/?p=149 In the past six (6) months of 2008, a large number of Somali journalists and other media workers were subjected to various methods of violence and oppression such as harassment, killing, professional punishment, beatings, threats, arrests, arbitrary detention, maltreatment and censorship.

The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) recorded numerous cases of attacks against media professionals and news media organisations particularly in Kismayu, Mogadishu, Galkayo, Bossasso, Baidoa, Beledweyne and Jowhar.

Journalist Hassan Kafi Hared was killed in Kismayo in January 2008, while his colleague Nasteh Dahir Farah, the Vice President of NUSOJ, was viciously and ruthlessly assassinated after four months in the same town. The perpetrators of these monstrous crimes were not punished and impunity is broadly prevailing in Somalia as these two most recent killings had deep impact in the hearts of Somali journalists.

Journalists were caught in an iron grip between the different parties to the conflict in southern regions. Repressive practices against journalists intensified and diversified in the past six months, though the number of killings in the first half of 2007 is more than those of this year.

Nine (9) journalists and three (3) other media workers were subjectively arrested in Mogadishu (4), Baidoa (3), Beledweyne (1), Jowhar (1) and Bossasso (3) as part of arbitrary nature of weakening courageousness and energy of journalists to tell the story for their people in fair and independent manner. These media people were not given enough explanations regarding the reasons for their detention.

5 media houses in Mogadishu and Beledweyne were briefly shutdown in the past six months as part of sophisticated intimidations. Some of the media managers called these moves as being a manoeuvre by the government to silence them, and to erode the role of private media.

Due to national and global outcry of attacks against media in Somalia for the year 2007, warring sides in south-central regions implemented pernicious tactics of terrorising journalists through phone calls and face-to-face interactions. At least 23 journalists were threatened to death in Baidoa, Mogadishu, Jowhar, Galkayo and Bossasso but some of these journalists were plainly ordered not to report such cases by the attackers, otherwise they would be killed. These journalists were told diverse accusations such as disseminating false information, undermining security, waging war against the authorities or cooperating with terrorists. Media managers were also subjected to various pressures as well as political and financial inducements to conceal certain information.

Aside from the assassination of Nasteh Dahir Farah, other union officials had to continue their activities in a tremendously tense climate because of their dedication to the promotion and protection of rights and interests of journalists.

Four journalists, two in Garowe and two in Mogadishu, whose independent reporting were not liked by Puntland authorities and officials of the Transitional Federal Government, were subjected to threats and severe hindrances to their journalistic tasks, particularly the offices of these two authorities.

The media law that was passed in December 2007 was not fundamentally reviewed and became applicable. The law has manifold legislative restrictions aiming at controlling and paralysing the privately owned media. It has also strict conditions for registration and broad interference from the Ministry of Information.

In relation to this media law, the Ministry of Information has extensive powers to interfere in National Media Council, approve and disapprove its members and therefore contributes to continuing a strict control over media organisations.

Journalist Mohammed Shidane Daban, who was arrested from Adan Adde International Airport in Mogadishu while travelling to abroad, was released after detaining him 115 days.

The Transitional Federal Parliament of Somalia publicly condemned on 24 July 2008 the attacks against journalists and humanitarian aid workers. The parliament demanded from the government to investigate attacks against media and aid workers and punish perpetrators.

Journalists disseminating information about leadership wrangles in Puntland were violently repressed. Renowned woman journalist was frequently threatened. Since the start of this year 11 journalists fled from their homes, 6 from Kismayu and 5 from Puntland.

There was no significant progress in the first half of 2008. Journalists are still widely vulnerable to reprisals. There is also a price to pay for reporting independently and without censorship. Media professionals are systematically exposed to physical attacks. Most serious crimes against journalists are not prosecuted and brought to trial, including the last two killings of Hassan Kafi and Nasteh Dahir.

Journalists learned that some of them who intended to report professionally were considered as sympathisers of one of the opposing forces, which makes journalists a target for a specific force.

Overall, the past six months of the year was marked by an upsurge in attacks on freedom of the press and safety of journalists, in spite of reduced number of journalists killed.

]]> http://www.nusoj.org/149/muzzling-freedom-of-the-press-journalists-in-the-line-of-fire-with-impunity/feed Somali Journalists Trained to Report Safely in Africa’s Most Dangerous Country http://www.nusoj.org/146/somali-journalists-trained-to-report-safely-in-africa%e2%80%99s-most-dangerous-country http://www.nusoj.org/146/somali-journalists-trained-to-report-safely-in-africa%e2%80%99s-most-dangerous-country#comments Thu, 26 Jun 2008 13:27:54 +0000 Editor http://www.nusoj.org/?p=146 Brussels - Mogadishu, 26 June 2008 - The International News Safety Institute (INSI) and its Somalia partner, the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) provided safety training to 48 Somali journalists and other media staff in Djibouti. Since 2007, Somalia has become Africa’s most dangerous country for journalists and the world’s deadliest place for media professionals outside Iraq.

Somali journalists, editors and cameramen participated in two two-day workshops held in the capital city of neighbouring Djibouti. Seven of the participants were women. The first workshop took place from 20 to 21 June 2008 and the second from 24 to 25 June 2008.

The training addressed various safety issues including personal safety, pre-deployment planning, conflict management, dealing with hostile crowds, surveillance awareness, first aid skills, building security, detention and captivity survival. The training engaged journalists in discussions and practical exercises on medical emergencies, how to respond to different forms of attacks, and other risks that journalists face.

The participants came from Mogadishu, Baidoa, Garowe, Galkayo, Beledweyn, Jowhar and Bardhere, the main towns of Somalia. Trainees came from all types of the media industry such as print, radio, television and online. Freelancers were also included.

A Mogadishu reporter said “even when there is fighting going on, I have to go to work because otherwise I could be fired. My boss told me once that a fighting day is a normal life day so I must be at the office.” Participants shared their own experiences of working in different regions of the country.

The workshops are part of a one year national project including a Somali Safety Information Coordinator based in Mogadishu and three safety trainings. The first one was held in Hargeisa between 31 July and 1 August 2007 and trained twenty-five journalists. In total seventy-three Somali journalists and other media workers have been trained.

“This safety training will help reduce the risks that Somali journalists and other media workers face while they carry out their professional duty” said Omar Faruk Osman, NUSOJ Secretary General.

The workshops were organized two weeks after the assassination of the Vice President of the National Union of Somali Journalists Mr. Nasteh Dahir Farah, who was trained at the first safety training in Hargeisa.

Participants of the two workshops paid emotional tribute to Nasteh Dahir Farah and condemned this act of senseless and brutal murder.

The project is supported by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Endowment for Democracy, International Labour Organisation and Vikes Organisation of Media, Communication and Development.

For further information about this news release, please contact INSI Deputy Director Sarah de Jong, email sarah.dejong@newssafety.com tel: +32 2 235 22 01 or NUSOJ Secretary General Omar Faruk Osman, email: omar@nusoj.org, telephone +253 86 92 30
]]> http://www.nusoj.org/146/somali-journalists-trained-to-report-safely-in-africa%e2%80%99s-most-dangerous-country/feed Puntland Arrests Media Director http://www.nusoj.org/145/puntland-arrests-media-director http://www.nusoj.org/145/puntland-arrests-media-director#comments Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:10:25 +0000 Editor http://www.nusoj.org/?p=145 The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) is condemning today’s arrest of journalist Abdulkadir Mohammed Nunow, who is the Director of Horseed Radio in Bossasso, a newly established private Radio.
Puntland soldiers following the orders of Puntland Minister for Security Affairs Mr Abdullahi Said Samatar arrested Abdulkadir Nunow, who is also correspondent for VOA Somali Section, at his office in the premises of the Radio Station around 14:10 local time as Horseed journalists told NUSOJ.

According to Puntland officials, the journalist was arrested for a news report aired from the Radio on Monday, which is an interview that a Horseed reporter made with one of Somaliland commanders on situation of people who were kidnapped from Puntland but being held in Las Qoray of Sanag region, which is controlled by Somaliland army. Sanag is disputed region that both Puntland and Somaliland claim of being part of their territory.

“Puntland officials habituated to directly and indirectly frighten journalists who want to report impartially and independently” said Omar Faruk Osman, NUSOJ Secretary General. “We strongly denounce the arrest of Abdulkadir Nunow and demand Puntland authorities to respect journalists’ professional rights and to release Nunow immediately and unconditionally”.

Journalists in Puntland have been receiving in the past weeks all sorts of threats from people who are eager to silence journalists. Journalists were threatened to death and some of them started to avoid seeking critical information to protect them.

Horseed Radio is newly established Radio Station, which is privately owned by Somali businessmen in Diaspora. It is currently operating in six months.

]]> http://www.nusoj.org/145/puntland-arrests-media-director/feed Emotional Tribute to Murdered Colleague, Somali Journalists express Palpable Sense of Shock in the Media Profession http://www.nusoj.org/144/emotional-tribute-to-murdered-colleague-somali-journalists-express-palpable-sense-of-shock-in-the-media-profession http://www.nusoj.org/144/emotional-tribute-to-murdered-colleague-somali-journalists-express-palpable-sense-of-shock-in-the-media-profession#comments Fri, 20 Jun 2008 13:36:03 +0000 Editor http://www.nusoj.org/?p=144 Editors, reporters, producers and media directors from Somalia’s main towns of Mogadishu, Baidoa, Garowe, Galkayo, Beledweyn, Jowhar, Kismayu and Bardhere who gathered today in Djibouti for Safety Awareness Training Workshop organised by the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) in partnership with the Brussels-based International News Safety Institute (INSI) paid emotional tribute to the Vice president of the National Union of Somali Journalists, Nasteh Dahir Farah, who was murdered for his right to practice journalistic profession on 7th June in Kismayu.

Nasteh Dahir Farah, who was fervent promoter of rights of Somali journalists and press freedom, at all times stressed the value of media professionals’ safety as he took part previous safety training held in Hargeisa in July 2007 by NUSOJ and INSI.

“Journalists work in the face of deadly threats and our colleague Nasteh Dahir received some of these threats” said Omar Faruk Osman, NUSOJ Secretary General. “Criminals gunned down Nasteh, but his courageous mission did not die with him and will never stop”.

In a touching tribute, journalists holding his pictures condemned once more this act of senseless and brutal murder. Nasteh was courageous in carrying out his duties and never avoided from a challenge, even though he had been threatened twice before. Journalists, highlighting palpable sense of shock in the media profession, stated that free press and free expression are essential features of peaceful Somalia.

“The assassination of Nasteh Dahir Farah was contempt for human life, contempt for media freedom and contempt for the Somali people” Omar Faruk added.

INSI and NUSOJ are conducting in Djibouti Safety Awareness Training for up to 50 journalists.

]]> http://www.nusoj.org/144/emotional-tribute-to-murdered-colleague-somali-journalists-express-palpable-sense-of-shock-in-the-media-profession/feed Call for International Efforts to Make Journalism Safer in Somalia Following Assassination of Union Leader http://www.nusoj.org/143/call-for-international-efforts-to-make-journalism-safer-in-somalia-following-assassination-of-union-leader http://www.nusoj.org/143/call-for-international-efforts-to-make-journalism-safer-in-somalia-following-assassination-of-union-leader#comments Fri, 13 Jun 2008 18:05:45 +0000 Editor http://www.nusoj.org/?p=143 Nasteh Dahir Farah, Vice President of the National Union of Somali Journalists, was assassinated on Saturday, 7 June 2008, in Kismayu of southern Somalia. Somali journalists robustly condemned this atrocious assassination as intolerable act. World Journalists, Press Freedom and Free Expression community joined Somali journalists’ condemnation and call for safety measures, as well as journalists community in Eastern Africa, Media Support organizations, the United Nation and the European Union.

United Nations

The Director-General of UNESCO, which is the only United Nations agency with a mandate to defend freedom of expression and press freedom, condemned the killing of Somali journalist Nasteh Dahir Farah, Vice President of the National Union of Somali Journalists and a reporter for the BBC, on the evening of 7 June, and called on the authorities to bring the culprits to trial.

“I condemn the murder of Nasteh Dahir Farah,” the Director-General declared. “The loss of Nasteh Dahir Farah is particularly tragic in view of his commitment both to his profession as a reporter and to his fellow professionals, whom he sought to help through his work for the National Union of Somali Journalists. I call on the authorities to do all they can to bring to justice the culprits of this heinous crime against democracy and against Somali society as a whole.”

The top United Nations humanitarian official for Somalia has expressed his shock and disappointment at the latest killing of a journalist in the strife-torn nation, the deadliest place in Africa for the media to work. “Nasteh Dahir Farah, was fatally shot on Saturday 7 June, by unknown gunmen. Mr. Farah had been working for the BBC and the Associated Press. He was also the vice chairman of the National Union of Somali Journalists” said Mark Bowden, the UN Humanitarian and Resident Coordinator for Somalia. “It’s a tribute to the dedication and courage of journalists such as Mr. Farah, that despite the fact that members of the media are frequently targeted, harassed, arrested and killed in Somalia, he continued his work. Sadly, his dedication cost him his life. We extend our condolences to his family, colleagues and the wider Somali civil society

European Union

The European Union member states in Nairobi strongly condemn the murder Mr. Nasteh Dahir Farah. “The EU sends its sincere condolences to the family and colleagues of this renown journalist. Mr Nasteh was also the vice chairman of the National Union of Somali Journalists, an organization which plays a very important role in defending the role of journalists in Somalia” said EU statement issued from French Embassy in Kenya.

The EU member states fully supports the freedom of expression for journalists  in Somalia and salutes their dedication and courage to their work, in spite of the difficult conditions. The EU members states calls on all parties to respect their work and physical integrity.

International Journalists, Press Freedom and Free Expression Community

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) condemned the shooting of this leading journalist and union leader and called for “action not words” from the international community to protect journalists and to take urgent action to restore the rule of law.

“Once again a leading journalist has been struck down in appalling circumstances,” said Jim Boumelha, IFJ President. “It’s time for action not words from governments to address the crisis in Somalia and to protect our people.”  “There could not be more brutal nor convincing evidence of the need for an urgent international response,” said Boumelha. “We mourn the loss of a brave union leader, but we also demand action to secure the safety of all of our colleagues in Somalia.”

As NUSOJ is a member of International Freedom of Expression eXchnage (IFEX), its Executive Director, Anne Game wrote condolence to the leadership of its affiliate. “We are so sorry to hear about the brutal slaying of your colleague and friend Nasteh Dahir Farah on the weekend” She said. “Who knows what to say, we see how often these situations play out and as you know there is usually no follow up and impunity continues to be one of our major hurdles. What is good to know is that NUSOJ will not forget and that your organization (NUSOJ) will continue to pay tribute to Nasteh. Please accept our condolences, and extend them to the staff and friends of NUSOJ and his bereaved family”.

Reporters without Borders, which is partner organization of the National Union of Somali Journalists, expressed shock and dismay at the murder of Nasteh Dahir Farah, NUSOJ Vice President. “We share the dreadful grief that has struck the family and colleagues of Nasteh Dahir Farah. The list of dead just goes on growing while the authorities take no steps to curb the violence which targets journalists”, the worldwide press freedom organisation said. “This apathy is disgraceful given the fact that the Somalia is Africa’s deadliest country for journalists,”

The New-York based International Press Freedom Organization, Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) calls for a thorough investigation into the June 7 killing of Somali journalist Nasteh Dahir Farah Dahir, vice chairman of the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ). CPJ mourns the loss of our colleague, Nasteh Dahir and sends our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and colleagues,” said CPJ’s Africa Program Coordinator, Tom Rhodes. “We call on Kismayo officials to do everything in their power to track down and bring to justice Dahir’s murderers.”

The International News safety Institute (INSI), non-governmental organisation dedicated to the safety of journalists and media staff and committed to fighting the persecution of journalists everywhere, wrote to NUSOJ condolences on the loss of Nasteh Dahir Farah.

Sarah de Jong, INSI Deputy Director said “I am filled with sadness and anger to see yet another courageous journalist assassinated. I met Nasteh last year in Hargeisa where he participated in the safety training and I remember not only him but all the journalist who came for the training and I remember well the feeling of relaxation that slowly came to the group when they realised they were in a safe place - away from their homes for a couple of days, away from the daily risks and threats, and the eagerness they showed to learn about assessing the risks around them, to learn about first aid. And here we are today and I ask myself if there was anything the training could have done to prevent this cowardly murder. No. The training cannot stop those that hunt and kill journalists”. “We will remember him always and my thoughts are with Nasteh’s family, his friends and his colleagues” Sarah added.

The National Union of Journalists of Great Britain and Ireland (NUJ) sent condolence to the family and colleagues of Nasteh Dahir Farah by calling it “tragic weekend for world journalism and media freedom”. NUJ General Secretary, Jeremy Dear, expressed his deep sadness at the loss of Nasteh and passed on his condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. NUJ called on the Somali authorities to actively seek and bring to justice his killers. “This underlines the need for strong international action to halt the global crisis of violence against media workers” he said.

Media Support Organisations

The National Endowment for Democracy (NED), which has been supporting National Union of Somali Journalists for many years, said in a statement “It is with great sadness that we at the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) have received the news of the death of a friend and partner, Nasteh Dahir Farah, Vice President of the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ)”.

“In 2005, Nasteh was elected Vice President of NUSOJ, the culmination of many years of commitment to the profession and to the Union. He was known for his professional neutrality when reporting on the armed conflict, his detailed investigations into attacks on media freedom and his compassion for the families of fellow journalists killed during the course of their work” said Dave Peterson, Senior Director, Africa Program, National Endowment for Democracy. “There have been attacks on journalists and media houses in Somalia in recent years and most of these crimes remain unsolved. A culture of impunity has become the norm in these attacks on members of the media, making their profession one of the most dangerous in Somalia” he added.

Mark Whitehouse, Director of Media Development of the International Research Exchange Board (IREX) said “IREX expresses its condolences to the family of Nasteh Dahir Farah, to his colleagues in the media and civil society community in Somalia, and to his colleagues at the National Union of Somali Journalists”.

“His death is a reminder of the challenges faced everyday by journalists in Somalia as they face violence from those attempting to silence the voice of independent media” he said. “This senseless killing may have silenced this one voice, but his tireless work for free expression in Somalia will be continued by his colleagues and his role on bringing professional media and freedom to Somalia will be remembered.”

Journalists Community in Eastern Africa

The Eastern Africa Journalists Association (EAJA) has condemned in the strongest terms possible the brutal killing of the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) vice-president Nasteh Dahir Farah. ““It is with sadness that we have learnt of the death of our colleague and friend Nasteh. But this culture of impunity and violence against journalists in Somalia must come to an end. We therefore appeal to the UN Security Council, international community and neighboring countries to move in and decisively reinstate law and order on Somalia. We cannot condone such barbaric acts targeted against the life of a journalist” said Dr Muheldin Ahmed Idriss, EAJA President. “We believe Nasteh was assassinated because he is a journalist,” he added.

“As we moan and denounce this assassination in the strongest terms possible, we are alive to the fact that there is no authority in Somalia that can bring to justice such killers or to protect journalists, which is why we are asking the international community to decisively move in restore Somalia. We cannot continue burying our heads in the sand while journalists are killed and maimed by enemies of the truth in such a lawless state,” Dr. Muheldin added.

“As we moan and denounce this assassination in the strongest terms possible, we are alive to the fact that there is no authority in Somalia that can bring to justice such killers or to protect journalists, which is why we are asking the international community to decisively move in restoring Somalia. We cannot continue burying our heads in the sand while journalists are killed and maimed by enemies of the truth in such a lawless state,” Dr. Muheldin added.

Media Institute of Kenya condemned the killing and sent condolences to NUSOJ. David Makali, Director of Media Institute in Kenya said “On my and media institute’s behalf, I wish to express our utter shock at the egregious murder of Nasteh Dahir. We salute him as a gallant fighter in the struggle for freedom of press and expression”.

“This depressing news of Dahir’s death should remind us to take every precaution in our daily work to avoid the traps laid by our tormentors. It is our sincere hope that NUSOJ and our colleagues everywhere standing for the freedom of the press will soldier on and renew their devotion to a cause that is eternally worthy. This killing should remind the international community that there is an urgent need to attend to the situation in Somalia” David Makali declared.

The Uganda Journalists Union (UJU) joined the world journalism fraternity to condemn, in the strongest terms possible, the assassination of Somali Journalists’ leader, Nasteh Dahir Farah. “Somali journalists are human beings that must be protected like the rest of the journalists in the US, Europe, Asia and Africa,” said Stephen Ouma Bwire, General Secretary Uganda Journalists Union.

The Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) has learnt with utter shock and dismay of the brutal attack and killing of the Vice-President of the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), Nasteh Dahir Farah. “We note with utter dismay that yet another murder is a journalist who is the messenger of truth in as many months in the troubled Somalia. We are aware that gangs and criminals who would want to perpetuate anarchy have turned the barrels of their guns onto innocent and unarmed journalists with much abandon in the troubled country of Somalia. It is a high time the world community moved in to stop this madness,” said KUJ chairman Tervil Okoko.

“This is not only barbaric but also primitive and unforgivable. We have lost a colleague and a friend who would have otherwise been going around his duties feeding the world with information. However, we as journalists will not allow the barrel of the gun to silence us. We must move on even with greater determination and vigilance. We must protect the truth even if it means paying with our own lives,” Okoko added. “At this juncture, we join our brothers and sisters at NUSOJ, Nasteh’s family members, friends and relatives in mourning the death of the slain leader”.

The Rwanda Journalists Association (RJA) condemned in the strongest terms possible, the seemingly well-coordinated murder of the Vice President of the National union of Somali Journalists, (NUSOJ), Nasteh Dahir Farah, and called on the international community to bring to book the killers of Farah with immediate effect.

In a press release issued in Kigali, the President of Rwanda Journalists Association , Mr. Gaspard Safari said the killing is yet another pointer to the sad situation that the media in Somalia finds itself in.

“We cannot tolerate a situation like this. The killing is targeted and  intended to suffocate the media in Somalia. Impunity breeds criminality. The killers of Farah must be sought out and prosecuted. As Rwandan media, we join our colleagues from all over the world in condemning this barbaric act”, Safari said in a release copied to all media in the country. “For Africa to stand by and simply watch as Somalia degenerates further into political hopelessness is tantamount to conspiracy and complicity. Inaction is no option and the criminal murder of Farah is testimony to this”.

The Burundi Journalists Association said in statement that it has been deeply shocked to learn the death of the NUSOJ Vice president Nasteh Dahir FARAH in such circumstances.  In a press release issued on last Thursday in Bujumbura, Burundi Journalists association called upon belligerents in Somalia to fully respect the International Law.

“Belligerents in Somalia may remember each time they are carrying out such a barbaric act that war will end one day in Somalia; and both national and international justice shall work and point out the killers of innocent people not involved in the war .They may think about all those famous war chiefs who are nowadays arrested and sentenced throughout the world”, said Moïse GAHUNGU, Executive Secretary of Burundi Journalists Association. The Burundi Media Family sent condolences to NUSOJ, Farah’s family, relatives and friends.

Trade Union Movement

The American Center for International Labor Solidarity (Solidarity Center) stood together with the global labor movement to mourn the loss of Nasteh Dahir Farah, the Vice President of the National Union of Somali Journalists, (NUSOJ), an affiliate of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).

“The murder of Vice President Nasteh,” says Ellie Larson, Solidarity Center Executive Director, “is an indication of just how threatening advocates for the free trade union movement are to authoritarian institutions. When that advocate is a journalist, he or she is the voice for thousands who are repressed. That journalist has the power of words — words that tell the story for workers all over the world. Mr. Farah told that story. He honored his profession and, at the same time, he honored the trade union movement.”

As a top leader of his national union, Nasteh knew full well the dangers he faced. He had assisted in investigations of attacks against media freedom. His last case sought to provide assistance to the widow and children of murdered journalist Hassan Kafi Hared.

ENDS….

]]> http://www.nusoj.org/143/call-for-international-efforts-to-make-journalism-safer-in-somalia-following-assassination-of-union-leader/feed Condolence Letters to NUSOJ http://www.nusoj.org/131/condolence-letters-to-nusoj http://www.nusoj.org/131/condolence-letters-to-nusoj#comments Thu, 12 Jun 2008 01:35:53 +0000 Editor http://www.nusoj.org/?p=131

Rwanda Journalists Association wants killers of Somali Journalist arrested

The Rwanda Journalists Association ,(RJA) condemns , in the strongest terms possible , the seemingly well-coordinated murder of the vice president of the National union of Somali Journalists , (NUSOJ), Nasteh Dahir Farah , and calls on the international community to bring to book the killers of Farah , with immediate effect.

In a press release issued in Kigali this afternoon , the president of Rwanda Journalists Association , Mr. Gaspard Safari , said the killing is yet another pointer to the sad situation that the media in Somalia finds itself in.

« We can not tolerate a situation like this. the killing is targeted and intended to suffocate the media in Somalia. Impunity breeds criminality. The killers of Farah must be sought out and prosecuted. As the Rwandan media , we join our colleagues from all over the world in condemning this barbaric act ‘’ , Safari said in a release copied to all media in the country.

The Rwanda Journalists Association urges the African Union and other regional groupings to move in and bring calm in Somalia. For Africa to stand by and simply watch as Somalia degenerates further into political hopelessness is tantamount to conspiracy and complicity. Inaction is no option and the criminal murder of Farah is testimony to this.

The Rwanda media fraternity once again sends condolences to NUSOJ, Farah relatives and family and all friends of late Farah.

UNITED NATIONS NATIONS UNIES

Office of the United Nations Resident & Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia

Springette, Off Lower Kabete Road, lst left after Spring Valley Police Station, P.O. Box 28832, 00200, Nairobi, Kenya

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Statement from the UN Humanitarian and Resident Coordinator on the killing of Somali Journalist in Kismayo, Somalia.

Members of civil society in Somalia – in particular the media – have been singled out for attack and assassination. It is with great dismay that I express today, on behalf of the United Nations and its partners working in Somalia, shock and disappointment that another Somali journalist was brutally murdered over the weekend. Nasteh Dahir Farah, was fatally shot on Saturday 7 June, by unknown gunmen. Mr. Farah had been working for the BBC and the Associated Press. He was also the vice chairman of the National Union of Somali Journalists.

Somalia is the Africa’s deadliest country for journalists and is the second-most dangerous place in the world for the media to work. Seven journalists were killed in 2007 and with the death of Mr Farah, nine have been killed in 2007-2008. He is the second reporter to be killed in Kismayo this year.

It’s a tribute to the dedication and courage of journalists such as Mr. Farah, that despite the fact that members of the media are frequently targeted, harassed, arrested and killed in Somalia, he continued his work. Sadly, his dedication cost him his life. We extend our condolences to his family, colleagues and the wider Somali civil society.

Mark Bowden

UN Humanitarian/Resident Coordinator

9 June 2008, Nairobi

Sudan Journalists Union

08/06/2008


بيان من الاتحاد العام للصحفيين السودانيين


الاتحاد العام للصحفيين السودانيين يحتسب السيد/نائب رئيس اتحاد الصحفيين الصوماليين الذي لقي مصرعه في .مقديشو

والاتحاد يدين تلك الجماعات التي تستهدف الصحفيين الذين يعملون في مناطق شديدة الخطورة يطالب الحكومات والمنظمات بضرورة ملاحقة القتلة والمجرمين الذين يستهدفون الصحفيين,

Dr. Mohialden Titawi

President of Sudanese journalists Union (SJU)

Presedent of EAJA

UGANDA JOURNALISTS UNION

CONDEMNATION OF KILLING OF SOMALI JOURNALIST


KAMPALA - MONDAY - JUNE 9 - 2008

The Uganda Journalists Union (UJU) would like to join the world journalism fraternity to condemn, in the strongest terms possible, the assassination of Somali Journalists’ leader.

The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) Vice President Nasteh Dahir Farah, was gunned down by gunmen southern town of Kismayu .

We believe this and many other incidences in Somalia targeting journalists are a planned and orchestrated move to silence voice of dissent, and to perpetrate violence of innocent people.

The international community should come out now and find a lasting solution to the people of Somalia and, especially ensuring that journalists are spared from bloody, senseless and indiscriminate killings.

Uganda Journalists Union therefore calls on all peace loving people in the world to help Somali journalists out of this predicament that makes Somalia the worst humanitarian situation on the globe.

“Somali journalists are human beings that must be protected like the rest of the journalists in the US, Europe, Asia and Africa,” said Stephen Ouma Bwire, General Secretary Uganda Journalists Union.

The rule of law must be instituted and the journalists who have tried to highlight Human Rights violations in the “Horn of Africa” should be allowed to play their roles since they have no political inclination. The Somali people are entitled to the truth on what is really happening in their vicinity.

The Struggle must continue……. Allutta Continua.

SIGNED

Stephen Ouma Bwire
GENERAL SECRETARY
UGANDA JOURNALISTS UNION
PO BOX 26650
KAMPALA

KENYA UNION OF JOURNALISTS

KENYAN JOURNALISTS CONDEMN KILLING OF SOMALI JOURNALIST


Tuesday 10, 2008

The Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) has learnt with utter shock and dismay of the brutal attack and killing of the Vice-President of the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), Nasteh Dahir Farah.

The KUJ joins the world journalism fraternity to condemn, in the strongest terms possible, the assassination of the Somali Journalists’ leader, and in calling on the UN Security Council and the international community to move in and ensure the safety and security of journalists in Somalia.

“We note with utter dismay that yet another murder is a journalists who is the messenger of truth in as many months in the troubled Somalia. We are aware that gangs and criminals who would want to perpetuate anarchy have turned the barrels of their guns onto innocent and unarmed journalists with much abandon in the troubled country of Somalia. It is a high time the world community moved in to stop this madness,” said KUJ chairman Tervil Okoko.

Information availed to KUJ indicated that Nasteh was gunned down by unknown people in the southern town of Kismayu.

“This is not only barbaric but also primitive and unforgivable. We have lost a colleague and a friend who would have otherwise been going around his duties feeding the world with information. However, we as journalists will not allow the barrel of the gun to silence us. We must move on even with greater determination and vigilance. We must protect the truth even if it means paying with our own lives,” Okoko added.

KUJ would like to urge the UN Security Council, international bodies and the neighbouring countries to move with speed and restore law and order in Somalia. It also called on the same organisations and bodies to come up with a system that would safeguard the security and safety of journalists working in the country.

“We believe and concur with our colleagues from Uganda and the entire Eastern Africa region that the killing of Nasteh and many other incidences in Somalia targeting journalists are planned and orchestrated by people whose main aim is to silence the voice of truth and to perpetrate violence on innocent people,” Okoko said.

“At this juncture, we join our brothers and sisters at NUSOJ, Nasteh’s family members, friends and relatives in mourning the death of the slain leader.


The Struggle must continue……. Allutta Continua.

SIGNED

Tervil Okoko Tom
Chairman
Kenya union of Journalists

]]> http://www.nusoj.org/131/condolence-letters-to-nusoj/feed Report on Assassinated Leader: Nasteh Dahir Farah http://www.nusoj.org/123/report-on-assassination-of-nasteh-dahir-farah http://www.nusoj.org/123/report-on-assassination-of-nasteh-dahir-farah#comments Sun, 08 Jun 2008 00:51:41 +0000 Editor http://www.nusoj.org/?p=123

1980 – 2008: Nasteh Dahir Farah

“From Allah We Came and to Him is our Eventual Return”


Brutal Assassination of Nasteh Dahir Farah

Nasteh Dahir Farah (in Somali language: Nasteex Daahir Faarax) was assassinated by two men armed with pistols in Fanole village of Kismayo district on Saturday, 7th June 2008. He was returning home, when killers, who were following him, called his name and as he turned, the hooded attackers started shooting him at chest and stomach, leaving him dead.

Bullets mutilated his stomach and chesty, according to his wife and doctor. Assailants escaped from the spot while the neighbours were quickening to take him to the hospital.

Approximately 10 minutes after when he was admitted to hospital, medical staff declared Nasteh Dahir Farah dead due to blood loss. So far the killers were not identified and no arrests were made for this gutless attack. Kismayo is the third main city of Somalia. It is controlled by clan militias and armed groups loyal to the Union of Islamic Courts.

Clan leaders in Kismayo have history of persecuting individuals that commit murderous acts by promptly indentifying killers and handing over criminals to the family of the victim. But these punished crimes are only for personal/tribal killings, not politically-motivated killings. Journalist Hassan Kafi Hared was killed in January 2008 with Aid workers; no one was arrested or caught for this killing. Despite mourning, local journalists have doubts about elders’ power of indentifying and persecuting killers of Nasteh Dahir Farah because of being targeted killing that relates to his journalistic work.

Funeral of Nasteh Dahir Farah

Hundreds of well-wishers of family members, journalists, intellectuals, clan elders, politicians, civil society members and religious leaders turned out to pay their last respect for the renowned journalist. They took his body on Sunday morning from his home to the graveyard. All speakers at funeral ceremony called for punishment of the killers.

They spoke about late journalist’s performance and his personal & professional neutrality of the armed political conflict, which he for all times based his news reports. The media in Kismayo was shut down for the bereavement of Nasteh Dahir Farah.

Family of Nasteh Dahir Farah

Nasteh Dahir Farah, who was born on 18 October 1980 in Abudwak district, left wife and son. Nasteh’s wife Idil Abdi Ahmed is six months pregnant. His son Mohammed-Deq Nasteh Dahir Farah is 10-month old. Nasteh’s father died in Abudwak in February 2008. His mother Asili Farah Nur lives in Abudwak with Nasteh’s brothers and sisters of more than 15.

Professional Information

Nasteh Dahir Farah studied in Beled-Hawo district of Gedo region in Southwest Somalia. He was a career media professional having risen through the ranks from trainee reporter, to editor-in-chief, and to become the Vice President of the National Union of Somali Journalists.

He was trained on the dynamics of newsgathering, processing and dissemination. He took courses on editing, essentials of journalism, human rights reporting, ethics of journalism, safety of journalists in hostile environment, press freedom monitoring and media regulations.

He was at the forefront in a number of Media activities. He was equipped with hands-on skills. Before joining BBC Somali Service as their correspondent in Kismayo, he was the editor-in-chief of Jubba FM in Kismayo. He freelanced for several foreign news agencies. Before Jubba FM, he was stringer for several regional radio stations.

Role of Nasteh Dahir Farah in the National Union of Somali Journalists

As one of the founding members of the union, Nasteh Dahir Farah held numerous posts in the union. In 2004, he was elected to be the head of Southeast Branch of the union. He was in charge of the affairs of over 60 journalists in Lower and Upper Jubba regions. He was founding person of Jubba Independent Journalists Association (JIJA), a region association based in Kismayu.

In 2005, Nasteh Dahir Farah was elected as Vice President of the National Union of Somali Journalists at its General Assembly in Mogadishu. He was devoted to ensure safety and press freedom of member journalists of the union while ensuring that journalists follow ethical rules of journalism which steer their service delivery. As he was in the national leadership of the union, he was actively involved in efforts of improving terms and working conditions of journalists. He was one of 25 journalists who were trained as press freedom protectors. He assisted various investigations of attacks against media freedom.

Nasteh at NUSOJ GANasteh Dahir Farah led numerous media activities by arranging competence and professional enhancement based training for media professionals. He was always dedicated to develop relations between media employees and media owners, especially in Kismayo, Baidoa and Mogadishu. He was actively involved in formulating the union’s foreign partnership programs. He campaigned for assistance to families of killed journalists and the last case he worked on was assistance provided to the widow and children of murdered journalist Hassan Kafi Hared.

Additionally, in the years that he was in top leadership of the national union, he helped the union in strategic planning, administration, membership management, networking and programs interfacing within larger media community.

]]> http://www.nusoj.org/123/report-on-assassination-of-nasteh-dahir-farah/feed Somali Journalists’ Leader Assassinated http://www.nusoj.org/121/somali-journalists%e2%80%99-leader-assassinated http://www.nusoj.org/121/somali-journalists%e2%80%99-leader-assassinated#comments Sat, 07 Jun 2008 18:19:35 +0000 Editor http://www.nusoj.org/?p=121 Nasteh Dahir Farah

The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) is shockingly condemning the targeted assassination of its Vice President Nasteh Dahir Farah, who was gunned down by gunmen southern town of Kismayu today (7 June 2008) around 19hrs Somalia time.

On his way back home, late Nasteh Dahir Farah was attacked by armed men who shattered bullets at his stomach and chesty. Nasteh, who works BBC Somali Serive and also Freelancer for Reuters News Agency, died at the hospital 10 minutes after he was admitted. He was returning from work and no one identiled the killers or no claimed this brutal and dreadful killing. He was elected NUSOJ Vice President in 2005 at the General Assembly of the union in Mogadishu.

“We denounce this assassination in strongest terms possible and our Vice President reported several times threats to his life by unknown callers” said Omar Faruk Osman, NUSOJ Secretary General. “There is no authority in Somalia that bring into justice and no one is protecting journalists”.

It was three days before when the National Union of Somali Journalists appealed to the UN Security Council to protect Somali Journalists, whose safety is frequently endangered. “We will not stop our work for criminals who accustomed to make our professional a battlefield”. “No one protects Somali journalists and is targets of every armed group”.

On 28 January 2008, journalist Hassan Kafi Hared, 36, died around after remote-controlled mine exploded inside a road in Siyad Village of Northern part of Kismayu. Apart from the journalist who was walking in the road when the mine was detonated, two doctors working for Medecins Sans Frontieres-Holland and their Somali driver died in the attack. Parts of journalist’s body were sprinkled to both sides of the road. No one was arrested for this deadly attack.

NUSOJ will soon release special report on the death of its Vice President Nasteh dahir Farah.

]]> http://www.nusoj.org/121/somali-journalists%e2%80%99-leader-assassinated/feed Seminar: Freedom of Expression – Missing in Action? http://www.nusoj.org/130/seminar-freedom-of-expression-%e2%80%93-missing-in-action http://www.nusoj.org/130/seminar-freedom-of-expression-%e2%80%93-missing-in-action#comments Wed, 04 Jun 2008 08:18:17 +0000 Editor http://www.nusoj.org/?p=130 You need to have flashplayer enabled to watch this Google video

The contribution of Omar Faruk Osman, NUSOJ Secretary General, at the Seminar

“Freedom of Expression - Missing in Action” Oslo, 7 April 2008

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