NUSOJ Elects New Leadership at its 16 days Long Congress in Mogadishu Mogadishu 24 May, 2016 The Congress of the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) has elected a new leadership on 17 of May 2016 which will replace the former union leadership after 16 days long General Assembly of the union, making it the longest Assembly ever held by the union.

NUSOJ Press House, Taleex street, KM4 Area, Hodan District, Mogadishu, Somalia Office Line : +252-1-859944 E-mails:nusoj@nusoj.org.so info@nusoj.org.so

149 member delegates eligible to vote convened in Mogadishu’s City Palace Hotel on May 3, 2016 as ordered and observed by the Benadir Regional Appeals Court, after the Somali High Court quashed its verdict dated on February 4, 2016 by stripping the leadership positions of former union leaders and made inclusive NUSOJ elections mandatory, which was monitored by a representative from

 

UrurukaQaranka Suxuufiyiinta Soomaaliyeed

National Uninon og Somali Journalists

 

the Appeals Court, civil society and members of the Federal Parliament.

The member’s journalists were drawn from across countrywide, based on the union’s existing branches; mainly from Puntland, Southwest, Jubbaland, Galmudug, Benadir and the regions of Middle Shabelle and Hiiraan, to review the constitution, discuss and approve the union’s budget for the next three years and a three-year work plan and elect new leadership.

The NUSOJ congress 2016 was facilitated and made possible by an independent volunteering committee comprising of journalists and media directors, whose tireless efforts saved the unity of the Somali journalists and their union, the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) supported by the former leadership of the union. The committee later handed over the responsibility to the chair of the committee elected by the assembly. The congress was financially supported by the Somali business community and the media stakeholders, although that was not enough to cover the whole costs of the Congress.

NUSOJ Press House, Taleex street, KM4 Area, Hodan District, Mogadishu, Somalia Office Line : +252-1-859944 E-mails:nusoj@nusoj.org.so info@nusoj.org.so

The congress was officially opened on the sidelines of the World Press Freedom Day, 3 May 2016 and was officially opened by the Appeals Court chief, Dr. Hassan Mohamed (Wariiri), who praised the unity of the Somali journalists and has never witnessed such large journalists’ gathering from across the country. Dr. Wariiri also recalled the journalists’ responsibility in fair, transparent reporting.

UrurukaQaranka Suxuufiyiinta Soomaaliyeed

National Uninon og Somali Journalists

"We are here today with you for the official opening of your congress.” Dr. Wariiri said, "We will send a judge to observe on the day the union elections are to take place to see if the elections are done in a free and fair manner.”

On 17 May, 2016, the election of the National Union of the Somali Journalists took place with the presence of Judge Dr. Muktar Nor Abukar who was sent by the Appeals court to monitor the union elections, Prof. Mohamed Omar Dalha, a member of the Federal Parliament of Somalia along with the representatives of the Somali civil society leaders.

The elections which have been going on for two days were contested all the positions in the union’s supreme council and the executive committee members.

Four journalists contested the position of the president of the Supreme council of the NUSOJ and the first round result is as follows:

1. Mahir Jama Aden 81 votes

2. Aden Mohamed Salad Aden Kismayo 61 votes

3. Suleyman Shiekh Ismail 4 votes

4. Mahad Hassan Diini 3

The second round of voting two candidates Adan Kismayo and Maahir Jama Adan contested with Maahir Jama winning 94 votes and was declared by the election committee as the winner. Whereas the

NUSOJ Press House, Taleex street, KM4 Area, Hodan District, Mogadishu, Somalia Office Line : +252-1-859944 E-mails:nusoj@nusoj.org.so info@nusoj.org.so

UrurukaQaranka Suxuufiyiinta Soomaaliyeed

National Uninon og Somali Journalists

election committee also declared Muhidiin Hassan Mohamed and Abdifatah Hassan Farah as the deputies.

The newly elected president of the Supreme council of the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) Maahir Jama who spoke to the assembly thanked "I am hereby, send my dedication to all journalists who attend this event by restructuring the union, democratically electing its leading members ...we are not standing here obtaining a position but to regenerate the union and start its activities with new spirit” said the new chairman. We aware of some of the international organization including IFJ ,ILO and ITU were given misinformation which led to take inappropriate decisions ,we call upon to make investigations and see what the Somali journalists had together decided.

The position of the Secretary General was contested by two journalists; Mohamed Ibrahim Moalimuu and Ali Baash Abdullahi i. However, Ali Baashi Abdullahi did withdrew his candidacy for the position. The election committee declared winner Mohamed Ibrahim Nur aka Moalimuu as the Secretary General of the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ).

NUSOJ Press House, Taleex street, KM4 Area, Hodan District, Mogadishu, Somalia Office Line : +252-1-859944 E-mails:nusoj@nusoj.org.so info@nusoj.org.so

Ali Baashi Abdullahi who quitted the contest said that he is satisfied the outcome of the election "I have decided quitting from the position I was contesting to safe the unity of the Somali journalists and join efforts to enhance development, raise their voices and protect them "

UrurukaQaranka Suxuufiyiinta Soomaaliyeed

National Uninon og Somali Journalists

 

The newly elected Secretary General, Mohamed Ibrahim Moalimuu who spoke to the delegates thanked for the dedication in electing him for this position. He said he will prioritize unifying Somalia journalists inside and outside the country through dialogue and reconciliation to end the division among them. Looking for solutions to problems facing journalists including killings and other threats as defending their rights.

Moalimu said that he did run for position for something else but to "only come up new Ideas and new blood to NUSOJ”.

"We want a new NUSOJ, We want an inclusive NUSOJ..no more ...one man NUSOJ” said the secretary general.

"it appreciable that journalists elected among themselves democratically and our objective is to see Somali media which very ethical . We request all media owners gender employment and equal coverage ” he added.

Lawmakers, civil society representatives and the observing judge also praised the Somali journalists for their commitment in electing new leadership…

The chair of the election committee Ahmed Joker commented on the process citing that although it was a hard job at last it was success to elect the the councils and main structure of the union along with the

UrurukaQaranka Suxuufiyiinta Soomaaliyeed

National Uninon og Somali Journalists

NUSOJ Press House, Taleex street, KM4 Area, Hodan District, Mogadishu, Somalia Office Line : +252-1-859944 E-mails:nusoj@nusoj.org.so info@nusoj.org.so

 

executive committee, the chairperson, two vice chairperson and secretary general.

"it was difficult managing such a large meeting, there were complaints. Annoyance and even infighting but at least lasting agreement was reached for the restructuring and launching the union” he said.

Prof. Mohamed Omer Dalha who spoke at event talk about the struggle the journalists going ahead defending their rights and ways they can attain change to enhance their skill and knowledge through ethics of journalism "You should have equip yourself with skill and that is where you and defend and protect yourself ...this is a unique event ..and I see fair and free election done here” said the lawmaker.

Jawahir Barqab , chairman of Banadir Region Women's organization who was present at the election involved mediations when delegates go into deep heated discussions along with heated arguments praised the outcome in which she said was fair and free.

"let us praise this …. the transparent ballot box ..we are witnessing should be a role model for the incoming election in Somalia” said Jawahir

NAMES OF THE NEWLY ELECTED NUSOJ ELECTION

 UrurukaQaranka Suxuufiyiinta Soomaaliyeed

National Uninon og Somali Journalists

NUSOJ Press House, Taleex street, KM4 Area, Hodan District, Mogadishu, Somalia Office Line : +252-1-859944 E-mails:nusoj@nusoj.org.so info@nusoj.org.so

Elected Supreme Council

1. Maahir Jama Adam

2. Muhidiin Hassan Mohamed – First Vice President

3. Abdifatah Hassan Farah – Second Vice President

4. Mahad Xasan Diini Member

5 Faaduma Yaasiin Jaamac Member

6 Abdi Macalin Aadan Member

7 Habiiba AHmed Jimcaale Member

8 Abdinasir Xersi Iidle Member

9 Aden Maxamed Salaad . Member

10

Elected Executive Committee

1. Mohamed Ibrahim Moalimuu - Secretary General

2. . Mohamed Shiil Hassan

3. . Farah Omar Nur

4. C/qaasim Macalim Axmed

5 Farxiya Maxamed Kheyre .

6 Leylo Muuse Ibrahim.

7 Abdulkadir Jiijiile

Full report of the NUSOJ Congress 2016 will be available shortly

UrurukaQaranka Suxuufiyiinta Soomaaliyeed

National Uninon og Somali Journalists

NUSOJ Press House, Taleex street, KM4 Area, Hodan District, Mogadishu, Somalia Office Line : +252-1-859944 E-mails:nusoj@nusoj.org.so info@nusoj.org.so

 SUMMARRY REPORT : A ceremony marking relaunching NUSOJ , National Union of Somali Journalists

A ceremony marking relaunching NUSOJ , National Union of Somali Journalists was held on Tuesday , 24 of may 24, 2016 at hotel Aljazeera in Mogadishu.

Senior Government officials,members of the parliament , civil society members and National journalists , members of the judiciary and international organisations in Somalia attended the event in which its core agenda was

. Revitalise role of NUSOJ in the Somali media

* Factors leading to good leadership in the union

* What Role International community play on supporting our mission

* What are the possible solutions to problems facing journalists including killings and other threats.

* During the event was highlighted the process which facilitated by an independent volunteering committee comprising journalists and media directors , whose tireless efforts saved the unity of Somali journalists and union.

* The spokesperson the independent volunteering committee , Mohamed Farah Dulyar, who spoke at the event on the behalf of the committee who handed over its mission after the electoral commission was elected said that they stood up after recognising that the unity of the Somali journalists was at verge to collapse , we did not want a position, we did not vote ...we haven't got any nomination and we are satisfied with this” he said.

* The event which was directly covered live by universal television was attended by chairman of the Banadir Regional Appeals courts , judge Mukhtar who was present

during election of the assembly and other main committees witnessing if the process was in free and fair elections.

* "the journalists show responsibility casting their votes in fair and transparent way , that is what we have witnessed " he said adding that due to judiciary side "the election was free and fair”.

The newly elected Secretary General, Mohamed Ibrahim Moalimuu who spoke to the delegates thanked for the dedication in electing him for this position.

"hard work awaits us , we want change and we can achieve this through unity and collaboration among us ...we are eager and committed going ahead our mission reactivating activities by prioritising revising the misrepresented image of the union , internally and externally ….defending the rights of journalists , developing , training and doing advocacy for them "

People who also spoke at the ceremony which hours of live coverage include :

Abdi shire ciyaar-jecel, a lawmaker and prominent composer of the well known Qeylodhaan musician cited that the new leadership of the union could achieve tangible results since they combine people with long experience and talented journalists, now I think it is the moment when you have right people with the positions " said ciyaar-jeel.

Abdirahman Yusuf Al Adaala , director of Somali National News Agency Commented on the leadership saying " you should never miss this opportunity you have resourceful people

in your leadership and executive members are people we can judge on the ability , and committed as well as having respect among journalists ".

Abdulahi sheegow , a veteran journalist who spoke on the behalf of non-state actors SOCHENSA , praised the process despite difficulties facing journalists including killing and other harassments.

Politicians from coalitions of political parties namely Saeed Qoorsheel of the USP party and Salaad Ali jelle , show their dedication on how the elections were conducted saying that it was the ever free and fair election seen .

Minster of state of information welcomed the process citing that the government recognised through decision of the judiciary system and courts of appeal . UNSOM Spokesperson Joseph Conterars said " we support the election and its outcome ,,we argue to take their platform strengthening independent media going the right direction towards developing principals of media … also you should take part the crucial process of elections in Somalia in 2016 enhancing and paving the way that elections held in free and fair "

Mr Peik Johansson congratulated the new leadership , citing that they are cooperating and that the establishment of NUSOJ is success .

At the end of the ceremony honorary certificates were awarded to the independent volunteering committee for their tireless efforts saved the unity of Somali journalists and union.

END