Representatives of the independent media in Somalia have voiced their concerns over the composition of the recently formed National Media Council.
According to the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS), the media council is full of figures who are close to the government.
Instead, they want to see the 9-member council full of people who are free of government influence.
In the view of the independent press watchdogs, the media council comprises six members with close ties to the government.
Consequently, they doubt if the six “compromised” members would be objective in their duties and responsibilities.