Somalia pledges to enhance safety of journalists

The Somali government on Wednesday promised to enhance the safety of journalists, remembering "brave" journalists who lost their lives in the country's rebuilding.

Speaking on the occasion to mark World Press Freedom Day in Mogadishu, Information Minister Abdirahman Omar Osman said the government will promote responsible freedom of expression, media freedom and enhance safety of journalists offline and online.

"Somali journalists are brave people that lost their lives for their country and they take part of the rebuilding of the country by providing vital information to the public at all times," Osman said.

Despite increased attacks against journalists, it's not clear who has been killing journalists but analysts say militants and criminals could be behind it.

Oman said ministry of information regularly consults with media leaders and practitioners in order to provide an environment that is conducive for the media practitioners to carry out their duties without fear.

"As part of these consultations, the government has agreed to review the current media law, as there were some concerns from the media practitioners," he said and paid tribute to journalists, who have lost their lives while in duty for the people and country. Endit