Mogadishu (Sunatimes) The interim chairman of the newly established FESOJ, Mohamed Olad Hassan, who is currently on a short visit in the Kenyan capital Nairobi, has had a consultation meeting with the Somali exile journalists on Sunday.

The meeting held at Andalus conference centre in Nairobi was attended by nearly 100 Somali journalists mainly professionals who were forced out of their country by the on going deadly violence.

Mr. Olad first explained the essence behind the formation of FESOJ and the goal it wants to achieve through united and well harmonized Somali Journalists.

"Why this federation was established is to bring all the existing Somali media groups as well as individual journalists under one big umbrella, to band together for the common cause of defending the freedom of expression," FESOJ interim chairman Mohamed Olad Hassan said.

All the attendants of the meeting have openly discussed over the necessity for journalists to unite within such a big body so that they will have one strong voice that defend, protect and take care of them.

During the meeting the attendants have reiterated that FESOJ could open a new page for Somali media with the help of the international community. They urged among themselves to use their professional power to save their hopeless nation.

Journalists in the Somali capital launched on September 22^{nd the Federation of Somali journalists, which is aimed at bringing together all Somali journalists}

At its launching FESOJ called upon all relevant stakeholders and most prominently the Government of Somalia and the rebel groups to respect and promote the rights of the journalists and the freedom of the expression.

In its Plan of Action, the Federation of Somali Journalists spells out key strategies to respond to the difficult situations faced by Somali journalists and to stand for their defence and advocacy.

By Fuad M Elmi