Update from Heritage Institute - Somali Think Tank

Consultations on Draft Media Law In July this year a Technical Committee was established to review the draft Media Law that the cabinet of the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) approved. The draft Media Law was widely considered controversial in its scope and possible implications. Local and international media rights groups worried that it would significantly curtail freedom of expression and expose journalists to prosecution. In collaboration with InterNews, the Heritage Institute organised a Forum for Ideas on the subject on the 9th of October as part of a nation-wide consultation. Read the full report here   HIPS Director Testifies at the U.S Senate Hearing On 8th October, HIPS Director Abdi Aynte testified before the U.S. Senate Africa Subcommittee of the Foreign Relations Committee. The title of the hearing was "Security and Governance in Somalia: Consolidating Gains, Confronting Challenges and Charting the Path Forward". Highlights from Mr Aynte's testimony includes ambiguity and contradictions in the Federal Constitution, the need to empower the Somali forces to take over security from AMISOM and how the establishment of a capable Somali government would assist in improving security in the region. More information on Mr Aynte's testimony and the links to the full video can be found on our website here.

The Heritage Institute for Policy Studies The Heritage Institute for Policy Studies is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit policy research and analysis institute based in Mogadishu, Somalia. Mission The Heritage Institute’s mission is to inform and influence public policy and practice in Somalia and the Horn of Africa region through empirical-based, evidence-informed analytical research, and actively disseminating publications, and to promote a culture of research. info@heritageinstitute.org