James Swan, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Somalia and Head of the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS), has emphasized the crucial role of independent media in the country’s ongoing reconstruction and development.
In a recent statement, Swan highlighted that as Somalia navigates its path toward stability, democratic governance, and national recovery, journalists must be allowed to perform their essential duties without fear of harassment, threats, or intimidation.
He underlined that a free and independent press is fundamental for fostering transparency, promoting accountability, and giving voice to citizens’ concerns. Swan called on all Somali stakeholders, including government institutions and security forces, to uphold and protect press freedoms as an indispensable component of peacebuilding and democratic consolidation.