“The SOMA Association affirms that it is not part of the meetings held between the Somaliland Presidency and the committee claiming to represent the national media,” stated SOMA.
Hargeisa (#SOMA):The Somaliland Online Media Association (SOMA) has publicly disassociated itself from a committee that purportedly represents the national media and has reportedly held organized meetings and engagements with the Somaliland Presidency.
SOMA, which unites various modern digital media platforms including websites, YouTube channels, and Facebook/Twitter pages, emphasized that it neither recognizes nor was consulted regarding any such committee, as professional journalists under SOMA’s umbrella were not involved in the process.
In an official press statement issued this evening by Mustafe Abdi Mohamed (Mustafe-Janaale), Chairman of the Somaliland Online Media Association (SOMA), it was firmly asserted that there has been no consultation, engagement, or communication between SOMA and the Somaliland Presidency concerning these meetings. The press release, in full, stated:
> “The Somaliland Online Media Association (SOMA) is not part of the committee that claims to represent the Somaliland media.
The SOMA Association clearly states that it has not participated in, nor has any affiliation with, the meetings held between the Somaliland Presidency and the committee purporting to represent the media sector.
Therefore, once again, we inform the Presidency of Somaliland and the government at large that the Somaliland Online Media Association (SOMA)—comprising Websites, YouTube channels, Facebook, and Twitter Pages—is not involved in the current or previous meetings convened by the Presidency.
A committee that lacks unity and the trust of the broader media community cannot rightfully claim or be recognized as a body representing the entirety of Somaliland’s media professionals.”
The mission of the Somaliland Online Media Association (SOMA) is the advancement of the principles of free, independent, and professional journalism in Somaliland. SOMA is committed to promoting peace, unity, and democratic values. The association has resolved to empower and strengthen online journalists, who serve as essential public service providers, to contribute to peaceful coexistence within Somaliland society.
SOMA has actively participated in enhancing the quality and standards of Somaliland’s online media landscape.
