The launch, which was officiated by Kenya's director of information and public communications, Ezekiel Mutua and the regional coordinator for media freedom for Eastern Africa Journalists Association (EAJA), Tervil Okoko, will see NUSOJ operating a fully-fledged branch office in Nairobi, which it will use to serve its members in the neighbouring country of Uganda.
“This is a very positive step for NUSOJ that they have seen the need to open an office here (Nairobi), which they will use to serve its members. The Kenyan government is proud to be associated with such efforts that can be used to bring peace, justice and stability in Somalia. Kenya will continue to engage in Somalia, and it is on that note and understanding that as a government we will continue supporting any efforts that might help the Somali people like this one,” said Mutua.
Mutua called on the Somali journalists to maintain unity in their union and not abandon their profession due to difficulties, in order to mount a formidable front against oppression, impunity and injustices.
NUSOJ secretary-general Omar Faruk Osman said leaders of the union felt encouraged by the assistance and facilitation the Kenyan government and other cooperating partners have always supported NUSOJ to carry out some of its activities in Kenya and to help its members. The journalists also vowed to adhere to professional standards and practice.
“Nothing can deter us from telling the truth. However, if we stand alone, our voices will be weakened by our enemies, enemies of media freedom and opponents of independent journalism,” Omar said. The branch comes at a time the union has been faced with serious operational challenges due to prevailing violence and the deliberate targeting of journalists in Somalia, especially in southern regions.
“This branch will not only allow our union to provide services to our exiled members but it will also strengthen our ability to confirm who actually is a genuine Somali journalist” Omar Faruk added.
Many people have often claimed to be Somali journalists fleeing seeking refuge in Kenya in order to secure papers for relocation and refugee status. “We will work with the relevant authorities to identify bona fide journalists and urge international media outlets to employ them so they do not have to flee further from their homeland,” Omar said.
The journalists committed themselves to remain united and to hold firmly to their profession and union. Five members of the advisory board were elected during the launch meeting to steer the management of the new branch. Besides welfare, the branch will also tackle issues of solidarity and professionalism, rehabilitation of injured or displaced journalists, advocacy against media freedom violations and research. It will also handle accreditation.
