Mogadishu, Somalia – A high-level roundtable on Wednesday brought together British Ambassador to Somalia, Charles King, and Somali journalists to assess the state of press freedom in the country, highlighting both strides made and persistent threats to independent journalism.
The meeting served as an open forum for candid discussions on the progress achieved in recent years—such as growing professional networks, improved training opportunities, and wider recognition of journalists’ role in governance—while also confronting the darker realities of harassment, censorship, and security risks faced by media workers.
Amb. King reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s commitment to supporting Somalia’s press sector, stressing that “a free, safe, and independent media is the cornerstone of any functioning democracy.” He underscored the importance of protecting journalists from intimidation and ensuring they can operate without political interference.
Participants raised concerns about legal restrictions, economic pressures on independent outlets, and the growing need for digital security in the face of cyber threats. Calls were made for stronger institutional protections, more transparent legal frameworks, and enhanced collaboration between the media, civil society, and government agencies.
The UK has been a consistent backer of Somali press development, channeling funding into journalist safety initiatives, training programs, and advocacy campaigns. Ambassador King assured participants that London will continue to support Somali media professionals in their pursuit of truth and accountability.
The roundtable closed with a shared message: while progress has been made, sustaining a media environment where journalists can work freely and without fear remains an urgent and collective responsibility.