MOGADISHU: The Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Daud Aweis Jama, congratulated the Somali media community on World Press Freedom Day, celebrated annually on May 3rd, praising the essential role of the press in promoting peacebuilding, state-building, and democracy in Somalia. The Minister highlighted how the day provides a significant opportunity to acknowledge the vital contributions of journalists in raising public awareness, fostering peace, protecting information integrity, and building public trust.
This year, the worldwide observance focuses specifically on the ongoing transformation of media through modernization and Artificial Intelligence adoption, as well as how media can contribute to peace, conflict resolution, and stability in the contemporary world. Minister Daud noted that Somali journalism, similar to media institutions globally, carries a deep responsibility in advocating for peace, upholding justice, and supporting the nation’s governance and democratic advancement.
He further emphasized that this year’s observance coincides with a critical electoral period in Somalia, highlighting the pressing need for media coverage that supports peaceful elections and encourages social cohesion. The Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to enhancing press freedom, ensuring the safety and protection of journalists, and creating a media environment that enables professionals to carry out their duties with integrity, responsibility, and professionalism.
Workshop on Hate Speech Prevention in Election Reporting
Separately, Minister Daud Aweis Jama officially commenced a two-day workshop focused on enhancing journalists’ abilities to prevent hate speech in election reporting. Over 35 journalists from 21 media outlets based in Mogadishu are participating in the event, which emphasizes responsible, accurate, and balanced coverage throughout the electoral period. The training seeks to deepen journalists’ comprehension of their responsibility in combating hate speech, misinformation, and disinformation that might erode public trust and social stability during elections.
In his address to participants, Minister Daud highlighted the essential function of the media in securing peaceful elections and building public confidence. “The media serves a vital function in increasing public awareness and preserving the integrity of electoral information. Journalists must ensure their reporting is accurate, balanced, and guided by professional accountability to reinforce public trust in the electoral process,” he stated.
He also encouraged journalists to prioritize peace-oriented narratives and provide equitable coverage of all political entities, cautioning against material that could provoke discord or instability. Supported by the United Nations Transition Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS), the workshop covers topics including the national electoral framework, fact-checking practices, information integrity, and methods to prevent hate speech in journalism.
The Ministry of Information reiterated its dedication to ongoing capacity development programs to improve journalistic capabilities and advance media ethics, contributing to trustworthy, peaceful, and transparent elections.
Background: Media Development in Somalia
The Federal Government has consistently emphasized the importance of press freedom and journalist safety. In previous World Press Freedom Day commemorations, Minister Daud has underscored the government’s commitment to creating a safe environment for journalists and enabling them to report without fear of harassment or violence. Media advocates have continued to urge the government to repeal restrictive media laws and strengthen protections for press freedom, particularly during sensitive electoral periods.
The Ministry of Information has also launched several capacity-building initiatives in partnership with international organizations. Similar workshops on conflict-sensitive reporting and fact-checking have been held in recent months as part of broader efforts to professionalize the media sector and ensure that reporting contributes to national stability rather than exacerbating tensions.
Minister Daud concluded his World Press Freedom Day message by affirming that the Ministry will continue its initiatives to provide professional development programs for journalists, improve collaboration between media outlets and government agencies, and further nurture a responsible, resilient, and progressive media sector.
