Who we are

Established

Journalist's

Awards

Founding

The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) was established in August 2002 as an association
called the Somali Journalists Network (SOJON). A group of passionate journalists, determined to
confront the severe media repression in Somalia, led this formation. Their mission was to promote
and protect press freedom and the professional interests of journalists, driven by the introduction
of a repressive media law enacted by the Transitional National Government of Somalia that year.

Transformation into a Labor Union

To effectively advocate for journalists pay, working conditions and professional freedom, the organisation’s members resolved during their 2005 General Assembly in Mogadishu to transition from an association to a labour union, adopting the name National Union of Somali Journalists. This transformation marked the establishment of the first independent trade union in Somalia after the
collapse of President Said Barre’s military regime in 1991. The union became firmly dedicated to advancing the interests and rights of journalists, ensuring press freedom and fair working conditions.

Our Mandate

NUSOJ is now a national labour union representing over 871 of Somalia’s estimated 1,150 professional journalists. These journalists joined the union to collectively uphold and defend their interests, needs and rights when engaging with employers, authorities and other sectors of society.
As the oldest and most representative media organisation in Somalia, NUSOJ’s mandate is to serve as a fervent champion of media and labour rights, as well as social justice.

Diversity

Our members represent the entire industry, working as reporters, editors, sub-editors, photographers and freelancers across print and electronic media, including broadcasting, newspapers, magazines and news websites. They come from diverse families and backgrounds,
reflecting the country’s various communities and regions. Together, we are professionals who take pride in our work and stand united in promoting and defending our collective rights and interests.

Guiding Principles

NUSOJ operates under principles of human and labour rights, including media rights, as defined by national, regional and international legal frameworks. The union is guided by values of professional solidarity, independence, accountability, integrity and ethical funding. We actively engage with non-state actors, such as civil society, the private sector and trade unions, as well as state institutions, including the government, parliament and judiciary.

Our Impact

Through its persistent efforts, NUSOJ has significantly improved journalists pay, working conditions and professional freedom in Somalia. Our advocacy for media freedom and social justice has positioned the union as a leading defender of journalists’ rights in the country.