Supporting Media and Civil Society in Somalia (SMCSS)

Program Overview

Program Overview

Resources

Media Sustainability Index - Somalia

The Supporting Media and Civil Society in Somalia (SMCSS) program provides support to the media to improve its professionalism, develop a democratic legal framework for the media, and contribute to the sustainability of media outlets operating in a difficult environment. The civil society component of the project will support civil society in its efforts to have its voice and issues heard by government authorities developing laws and policies to address Somalia’s development. SMCSS is supported by a grant to IREX from the US Department of State's Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor.

KEY ISSUES AND OBJECTIVES

Media

Raise business development capacity of independent media outlet owners and managers
Enhance media managers’ ability to increase editorial staff professionalism
Support the National Media Council initiative as a cornerstone for media law reform
Engage stakeholders in informed advocacy for independent and professional media
Support Somali partners in designing responses promoting media independence

Civil Society

Improve government and civil society communication skills
Build a common platform for improving communication channels between civil society and government authorities

Background

Somalia remains a country in crisis. A Transitional Federal Government struggles to establish institutions and stabilize the country and large segments remain outside of any governmental control. Puntland operates largely autonomously and Somaliland has in most ways been acting as an independent state. Violence against media, civil society, government, and citizens remains a part of life. Activist media and civil society sectors continue a struggle to contribute to a stable and democratic Somalia.

Media and civil society in Somalia face severe obstacles, including violence against journalists and media outlets, threats from the governments in the country, weak government institutions that do not and cannot protect journalists or civil society activists, and poverty that makes sustainable development extremely difficult. Additionally, with no stable central government and only nascent government institutions, there is neither a sound legal framework protecting media and civil society, nor is there a political culture accepting participatory government.

Project Activities

Small grants to promote media professionalism
Capacity building workshops for media and civil society
Training of trainers in media management and journalism
Consulting and legal analysis on media law and media policy implementation
Support for media and civil society advocacy organizations
Workshops on civil society and government relations
Develop local training materials in cooperative advocacy

Program Contact

For more information about SMCSS e-mail newsroom@irex.org.

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