Mogadishu – Representatives from the National Union of Somali Journalists had on Wednesday honored the outgoing Special Representatives of the Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Nicholas Kay and the UNSOM mission with two certificates, in a highly organized farewell ceremony held in Mogadishu for SRSG Kay, which was attended by the Somali president, prime minister, deputy minister, lawmakers, civil society members, diplomats.
For two and half years SRSG Kay has been in office, the mission made tremendous achievements in the state building and state formation processes in the economic, political, reconciliation, peace building, state formations, security development and CSOs engagements.
NUSOJ has carried out media development activities in partnership with UNSOM, among them media training on Federalism, State formation process, safety trainings in Mogadishu, Garowe in Puntland, Kismayo in Jubbaland and in Baidoa, Southwest Administration and trained for over 90 journalists.
“We are honored to award these certificates of appreciation to SRSG Kay and the UN Mission for their dedication and support to press freedom, freedom of expression, Human rights.†Mohamed Ibrahim, Secretary General of the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) in his address to the farewell ceremony said, “SRSG Kay is our Hero, he and the mission supported and defended Somali journalists at critical timesy.â€
“The success the mission has achieved during his presence is tremendous.†Mr. Ibrahim added.
Somali journalists face critical and life threatening challenges including arbitrary arrest, death threats, intimidations and impunity.
Freelance journalist Abdirisak Omar Ahmed remains in NISA custody for the 8th day without being brought before a court.  Media Watchdogs and Human Rights organizations have repeatedly demanded for his release.
