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The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has urged the Somali government to withdraw the Official Information Bill (OIB), saying it could affect the right to know.
The International Jewish Federation said the bill seriously violated international standards, including the African Union Model Law on Access to Information and Somalia’s Interim Constitution.
The alliance added that the agreement fails to establish clear, well-defined exemptions and contains extensive provisions on confidentiality and national security information that are incompatible with global best practices.
“The federal government of Somalia should work towards a comprehensive review to bring the bill into compliance with Good Regulatory Practices (GRPs),” the IFJ said in a statement.
“If passed in its current form, the Official Information Bill will severely undermine freedom of information and transparency in Somalia, entrench government secrecy, and could exacerbate corruption and abuse of power. The bill’s vague provisions and broad exemptions will hamper accountability, undermine Somalia’s credibility with international partners, and impede progress towards good governance and economic stability.”
Tim Dawson, deputy secretary general of the International Jewish Congress, said the Official Information Act as it currently stands posed a significant threat to freedom of information and good governance in Somalia.
He noted that broad exemptions and vague language are a source of legal secrecy and irresponsibility.
“We urge the Somali government to immediately withdraw the bill and amend it to bring it into line with international standards. Protecting the right to information is essential to upholding democratic principles and fostering trust with the Somali people and international partners. Without these changes, Somalia risks sliding backwards on the path to good governance and institutionalized democracy,” Dawson said.
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