16 journalists from Mogadishu media outlets are participating a two-day training workshop for Somali journalists on election reporting and freedom of expression that has opened Today (Monday 29th August 2016) at Hotel Sahafi in Mogadishu.
National Union of Somali Journalists supported by United Nations Assistance Mission to Somalia (UNSOM) organized the training which aims to create an atmosphere, where the media is equipped with skills for reporting on elections and its empowered with the necessary skills for covering 2016 elections process in the country feeling confident.
“The Somali media has no experience in election, and are in need for capacity building to gain necessary knowledge on the election. It’s important for the Somali journalists to gain knowledge about the election process and ensure to report accurate news on the upcoming election.” Said NUSOJ Secretary General.
Farah Omar Nur , the Secretary of NUSOJ trainings, who is also a veteran journalist pointed out the that the main aim of the workshop is to educate the media staff and raise their awareness on reporting on the elections.
Abdullahi Mohamed Shirwa the Chairman of Somalia South-Central Non State Actors (SOSCENSA) said in his opening remarks: The journalists are expected to be impartial when covering election campaigns in which many candidates are competing for a single position.
He added that the journalists are expected to be responsible and not to harm the general interest for the community. The journalist should be a good judge, and a journalist at the same time.