2023, Vol. 4, Issue 1, Part A
Assessing the risks of journalists reporting in conflict zones: A case study of Somalia
Author(s): Anne Maureen Syallow
Abstract: This study was conducted to assess the risks journalists face while reporting in Somalia. It was guided by three specific objectives that included; Evaluating the cases of physical attacks on journalists reporting in Somalia, Analyzing the cases of arbitrary arrests and imprisonments of journalists recorded in Somalia and Investigating the cases of journalists being killed in Somalia in three years between 2019 and 2021.The study was qualitative and used secondary data to explore the objectives. It analyzed data from five reports which had information collected between 2019- 2021 that included: The Somali Mechanism for Safety of Journalists (SMSJ) report 2021, The UNESCO observatory report on journalists killed 2021, The National Union of Somalia Journalists (NUSOJ) report of 2021, The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) report of 2020/2021, and The Amnesty International Research report of 2020. Data was classified into three thematic areas according to the study objectives. The data was then uploaded into the coding sheet and analyzed. The study found out that, Media freedoms in Somalia is being suppressed by the Federal state and non-state actors. Evidence from the reports showed that, between 2019 and 2021, eight journalists have been killed, 66 journalists have been arbitrary arrested and 81 journalists have been physically attacked and assaulted. Additionally, The Somali federal and state governments targeted and raided media outlets considered disloyal to the regime and approximately 14 media outlets were struck by government officials and armed soldiers. The study recommends that, according to UN plan of Action on the safety of Journalists and the issue of impunity (2012), The Somali government needs to demonstrate its assurance to the protection and safety of journalists and media freedom by taking significant action to tackle the extensive impunity for crimes against the media, otherwise, The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights ACHPR having signed a memorandum of understanding with UNESCO to safeguard journalists should step in and manage the risks that journalists working in Somalia face daily.
DOI: 10.22271/27084450.2023.v4.i1a.55
Pages: 16-20 | Views: 608 | Downloads: 322
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How to cite this article:
Anne Maureen Syallow. Assessing the risks of journalists reporting in conflict zones: A case study of Somalia. International Journal of Advanced Mass Communication and Journalism. 2023; 4(1): 16-20. DOI: 10.22271/27084450.2023.v4.i1a.55
