By Asha Elmi - Reporter
MOGADISHU, Somalia, September 17, 2026 The Somali Media Council has become the 13th member of the Network of Independent Media Councils in Africa (NEMCA), Somali National Television reported.
The membership was approved during the alliance’s second annual meeting, which concluded in Johannesburg, South Africa, according to the report.
Delegates also formally adopted NEMCA’s constitution and selected Nigeria to host the alliance’s 2027 general meeting, the state broadcaster said.
Somali Media Council Chairman Abdirahman Mohamed Aden Koronto said the organisation would fulfil its responsibilities in promoting press freedom and protecting freedom of expression across Africa.
Koronto described the membership as a significant achievement that would allow Somalia to participate fully in the alliance’s activities.
Somalia was also tasked with helping to complete NEMCA’s legal registration process, which is underway in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, according to the report.
NEMCA governing board chair Fathiswa Magopeni called for greater participation by women and urged member councils to accelerate the implementation of commitments agreed at the meeting.