A three-day training in media relations for security institutions in Somalia has opened in Mogadishu.

The training focuses on protection of journalists and cooperation with the media. Officially opening the training today, the Director-General of the Ministry of Internal Security Yusuf Ali Mohamed said his ministry was working closely with the media to improve the safety of journalists.

“Somali media and the Internal Security Ministry have recognised the need to work together. Staff from the Internal Security ministry need to understand that they need to interface with journalists and that they can learn something from the media,” noted Yusuf Ali Mohamed.

Yusuf Ali Mohamed added that the government had put in place measures aimed at protecting journalists from undue attacks. He cited the recently passed media law as part of the measures taken to regulate the media, safeguard their work and protect journalists.

The training is facilitated by Ian Lafreniere of the Corporate Communications section of the Montreal Police Service.

“[Journalists and internal security officers] have to respect each other. They all have a role and it’s an important role. But they are going the same way: they want to maintain democracy,” said Ian Lafreniere in justifying the requirement to have more cooperation between the two sectors.

Mr. Lafreniere told the participants, most of whom are from the Ministry of Internal Security, that their initial interaction with the media may be difficult, but he advised them to exercise restraint and show respect for the profession.

A participant named Jibril Ahmed expressed hope that the police, the intelligence department, the military and the media will develop efficient and fruitful working relationships.

The training was organized jointly by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia.

Somalia is considered to be one of the most dangerous places to practice journalism. According to the international non-governmental organization Committee to Protect Journalists, 59 journalists have been killed in Somalia since 1992.