Somalia’s Parliament Speaker Meets Private Media Leaders, Pledges Support for Press Freedom

MOGADISHU, Somalia — The Speaker of Somalia’s House of the People, Abdulqadir Mohamed Nur Jama, has met with leaders of private media outlets to discuss strengthening cooperation between parliament and the press, including the protection of media independence and freedom of expression.

The meeting focused on improving relations between the lower house of parliament and media organisations, promoting transparency, ensuring the public receives accurate information and combating misinformation and fabricated news. Jama said he believes independent media, including outlets that conduct investigative reporting and offer constructive criticism, play an important role in national development, transparency and accountability.

He stressed that the media serves as a vital link between parliament and the Somali public, highlighting the importance of cooperation based on mutual understanding, openness and respect for press freedom. The speaker also urged media executives to help prevent the spread of false information and propaganda that he said serves the interests of Al-Shabaab and other groups or individuals seeking to undermine Somalia’s national interests and state institutions.

He called on media organisations to contribute to public awareness and promote responsible reporting in the national interest. The meeting comes amid ongoing discussions about the role of independent journalism in strengthening public accountability and improving communication between government institutions and citizens.

Somalia’s media landscape includes public and private broadcasters, radio stations, newspapers and digital news platforms. Journalists continue to operate in a challenging environment shaped by security threats, political tensions and concerns over press freedom.

The meeting’s stated objectives included strengthening cooperation between parliament and private media while encouraging accurate reporting and responsible journalism.

The meeting focused on improving relations between the lower house of parliament and media organisations, promoting transparency, ensuring the public receives accurate information and combating misinformation and fabricated news.

Jama said he believes independent media, including outlets that conduct investigative reporting and offer constructive criticism, play an important role in national development, transparency and accountability.

He stressed that the media serves as a vital link between parliament and the Somali public, highlighting the importance of cooperation based on mutual understanding, openness and respect for press freedom.

The speaker also urged media executives to help prevent the spread of false information and propaganda that he said serves the interests of Al-Shabaab and other groups or individuals seeking to undermine Somalia’s national interests and state institutions.

He called on media organisations to contribute to public awareness and promote responsible reporting in the national interest.

The meeting comes amid ongoing discussions about the role of independent journalism in strengthening public accountability and improving communication between government institutions and citizens.