MOGADISHU, Somalia 18 May, 2022 – The Exile Media Forum, which is the largest specialist conference on exile journalism, has been held in Hamburg, Germany from 16 – 17 May 2022.
The Secretary-General of the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS), Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, also a co-author of the book “Hounded: African Journalists in Exile” has addressed the conference this year with a focus on the security of African journalists in exile, the current challenges facing media freedom as well as initiatives and programs to support exiled journalists.
Other topics of the conference are the development of press and media freedom in Europe, digital security and dealing with spy software. A look beyond the borders of Europe, the conference also hosted a special session on the situation of journalists in exile on the African continent.
“Exiled journalists – particularly those from Africa- are currently facing huge challenges in the countries where they sought protection. They fled death but many of them continue to experience even worse conditions in the countries they fled to. The lack of local initiatives to support and equip these journalists inside Africa and the lack of commitment by many international organisations have added to the pressure,” Mr. Mumin said.
“Today we have seen the war in Ukraine and the attacks against journalists covering this war have taken the centre of almost every discussion. But we must not forget the worsening conditions of journalists in Africa. I went into exile in 2015 and I can feel the pain of exiled journalists when they can not get the support networks they require,” SJS Secretary-General added. “Exiled journalists need a place to call home and feel safe. They need to have employment opportunities and psychosocial support.”
On Tuesday, SJS Secretary-General attended the Young Exile Media Forum where exiled young media workers in several European countries have gathered to discuss challenges they faces in particular. Mr. Mumin called for media institutions in Europe to allow to have diverse voices by offering employment opportunities for the exiled journalists in Europe.
The conference was organised by Körber Foundation. Representatives from the German Foreign Office, the City of Hamburg, Konrad Adenauer Foundation, journalists and leaders of press freedom organisations have attended the conference.