Media in a Fragile State: SomaliaAva

• Ethiopia • Somaliland • Puntland• Jubaland: The Kenyan Buffer

Zone• Al-Shabab• Mogadishu and the Federal

Government

The Media Landscape

Maxaad Sheegtay?

▪ Society arguably ranks among the most media literate in Africa– For nomads, understanding where danger lay and where pasture

and water was, was a part of daily life▪ Somali culture is individualistic, enterprising and deeply

resistant to efforts to control it – Political settlement depends on the consent of the people

Radio

▪ 35 Radio stations in existence across the three regions– Only true national coverage is done by the BBC Somali Service

and VOA– Reach (of local broadcast stations) is substantial but limited

▪ After the civil war in 1991, Two sets of stations emerged– Politically controlled and established by warlord – Those established by businesses

▪ Sensationalism is how media attempts to build coverage– Glorifying war has strong cultural roots

The Somali Diaspora

▪ Overtime, the influence of warlords was counteracted by fresh investment from outside the country.

▪ From 1999 onwards, private, independent radio flourished thanks to external investment

▪ “The majority of investors in Somali media are from the diaspora – they have a big influence,” says Ahmednur Mohamed Farah, from the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ). The Somali diaspora is renowned for its support of relief and development work, social and business investment, and involvement with the politics of its home country. Findings from a recent study by UNDP suggest that it provides between US$130-200 million annually for development and relief activities, and between US$1.3 and 2 billion in private remittances”

Media Sources

Television

▪ Nine TV stations operating across the three regions, two of which were opened in 2011. One is run by Al-Shabab

▪ Increasingly fought over by political interests

▪ 1/3 of people survey by BBC in Mogadishu had watched television at least once in the last week

Internet

▪ Boasts one of Africa’s most well developed online media landscapes

▪ Much is created and shaped by Somalia’s diaspora

▪ 200 online outlets (most are unreliable)

▪ Positive or negative? ▪ Media can publish content

Who and What Influences the Media?

Al-Shabab

▪ Has a deliberate strategy of taking over or intimidating radio stations – Reportedly took seizure of seven private media houses in 2010

▪ Al-Shabab has used media as a way to intimidate enemies, threaten civilians and recruit

▪ Radio Shabelle was forced to move its operation in Mogadishu▪ Impose strict media guidelines in it’s controlled terriroty

– Opose anything western – Recitals of the Quran and sermons– Do not allow music on the air

▪ 500 journalists have fled the country

Al-Shabab Vs. The Somali Federal Government

▪ Al-Shabab and the SFG are both vying for favorable public opinion

▪ The SFG tries to dominate the narrative but not allowing journalists to use the word Al-Shabab

▪ During 2009 and 2010 more than 90 journalists went into exile to escape constant threats, attacks and poor working conditions

Fractured Media

▪ Somaliland: Media must comply with the government ▪ Puntland: Private media exists, however they have to be

weary of the government ▪ South Central Somalia: media organizations are

privately owned but operate under a government that has been accused of being authoritarian.

▪ In Mogadishu, prior to Al-Shabab’s withdrawal from larger areas, media editors had to comply with the orders of insurgents or commanders

Media Literacy: How to Navigate

▪ There is a clear demand for news amongst Somali society ▪ Society tends to reject extremism, yet yearn for information ▪ Even popular sources such as Radio Shabelle can be pragmatic

but exaggerate. – Radio Shabelle is known to apologize if it has mistakenly reported a rumor

▪ Trust is limited for almost all radio stations in the country – Geogreaphy and identity – Control and content

▪ The most successful independent stations are impartial

How does this dangerous environment effect media and journalism?

• The majority of journalists currently working in Somalia had less than five years’ experience.

• Audiences and media focus groups revealed a decline in the quality of journalism

• Investigative journalism in non-existent

• “Sharuur” – bribery of the media

• An oversaturated online environment from members of the diaspora

As a result…

“I don’t think you’ll find a media anywhere that is more brave and resilient than the Somali media”

What would it take for the Media to play a peacebuilding role in Somalia?