The annual meeting has been participated by SOMA Executive Committee Member delegates from Mogadishu, Banadir region, South West, Jubbaland, Hirshabelle and Galmudug states.

Mohamed Osman Makaran, the Secretary General of the Somali Media Association (SOMA) in his opening remarks has briefly stated the meeting is important for sharing and discussing the key issues for the association and the way- forward.

On his part, Hilal Sheikh Shueeb, the Chairperson of SOMA pointed out in his opening speech the annual meeting of the SOMA Executive Committee is to share information on the past achievements and focus on the priority plan for the next year 2023.

The meeting which was in progress for two days has discussed the main agenda dealing with the performances of last year, presentation of the regional priorities for 2023, presentation of the achievement, challenges and further improving the Contents Sharing Program and the contribution for SOMA in 2022.

During the two-day meeting, the SOMA Executive Committee members has stated teach media house member in the regions is required to submit their status and priority needs.

The need to undertake panel discussion for the participated by the media, police, the judiciary and the civil society to cooperate in promoting freedom of expression, press freedom, access to information and safety of the media and journalists both in Mogadishu and at regional level has been raised during the meeting.

The need to building the capacity of journalists in digital media, humanitarian and climate change reporting has also been suggested Furthermore, the need to get solar system to generate power for the media statins’ operation on low cost to address the soaring up electricity prices has bene mentioned during the discourse of the gathering. Some media houses are at the brink to close down as result of the unaffordable cost for the electricity.

In addition, the SOMA Executive Committee meeting has discussed the abuses against the human rights, the media and journalists mostly from the regional authorities, security agencies, the Federal government of Somalia, anti-government groups and anyone committing acts against the law. In conclusion, the meeting has issued the following points: –