Information Minister Highlights Government Media Development, Journalist Capacity Building

Mogadishu, (SONNA) — The Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism of the Federal Government of Somalia, H.E. Abdifatah Kasim Mohamud, has outlined the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to reform government media, strengthen national communication and prepare Somalia’s media sector for rapid digital transformation.

Speaking at the Somali Strategic Communication Forum 2026 in Mogadishu, the Minister said the government has taken significant steps since 2022 to develop government media and strengthen its role in addressing the media and ideological dimensions of the conflict with Al-Shabaab.

H.E. Abdifatah said the Ministry has trained journalists in responsible coverage, strengthened national media and launched channels and programmes covering the conflict and areas recovered from Al-Shabaab. He said measures against terrorist propaganda on social media had also expanded, with action taken against 82,000 propaganda accounts in 2026, compared with 5,000 in 2022.

The Minister said at least 600 journalists and media personnel had been trained in responsible reporting, information verification and combating misinformation. He also highlighted the rehabilitation of the Radio Mogadishu archive, launched in June, as well as efforts to rehabilitate the National Theatre.

On institutional reform, H.E. Abdifatah said the government has moved from fragmented media operations towards an integrated national media system. He noted that the National Media and Mass Communication Strategy, developed through consultations with government institutions, federal member states, media organisations and civil society, was approved by the Cabinet in January 2024.

He added that the Government Media Steering Committee had been strengthened, coordination among government media offices improved, and systems for information sharing and unified government messaging enhanced. He also pointed to media and emergency response procedures approved by the Cabinet in 2022 to support timely and accurate communication during crises.

Addressing the impact of technology, the Minister said social media platforms, artificial intelligence and digital influencers are reshaping the media landscape and how audiences access information. While creating opportunities for innovation, employment, information access and public participation, he said the changes also present challenges related to misinformation, professional ethics, public trust, skills and the economic sustainability of media outlets.

H.E. Abdifatah stressed the need for a free, responsible, professional and economically sustainable Somali media sector that embraces technology and AI while maintaining professional ethics and public trust.

He said the two-day forum, which brings together government, media, universities, researchers, civil society, digital influencers, the business sector and international partners, is expected to produce practical recommendations, new partnerships and a clear vision for the future of Somali media.