Conclusion
The Somali media landscape is energising and diverse, and will grow in the next few years. The importance of radio will not diminish in the years to come. However, there’s an increasing growth in digital media, which if literacy rates increase in the country, may eventually challenge the dominance of radio as the favoured medium of choice for Somalis. For that to happen the political situation must improve. The country requires peace, unity and stability. Since 1991 there have been at least 14 international attempts to bring peace to Somalia, all have failed. But, a year since President Farmajo was sworn in as Somalia’s ninth president there is still residual hope in the country, that he may be able resolve the immediate political and security issues in the country and start to rebuild a shattered nation.
Until that happens Somalia will continue to be one of the most dangerous places to be a journalist. The NUSOJ’s 2017 report highlighted the challenges Somali journalists face: killings, arrests and impunity. In Mogadishu, Somali journalists can be gunned down anywhere.
Despite the political challenges Somalia has suffered from, its media is characterised by vibrancy despite the conflict, a truly remarkable achievement for a country often cited as the world’s most lawless place. Arguably, the Somali media remain one of the most lively and engaging media landscapes in the Horn of Africa.