Ministry Wraps Up Workshop on Combating Hate Speech in Election Coverage

MOGADISHU: The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism has concluded a two-day workshop focused on preventing hate speech during electoral processes, held in the capital. The event attracted 35 journalists representing 21 media organizations, encompassing both governmental and private entities. The workshop aimed to empower media professionals in providing trustworthy election reporting, improve their capabilities to counter hate speech, and contribute to national peace and stability.

Attendees were instructed on electoral media ethics, verification techniques, strategies to counter false information, and the media’s duty in preserving societal unity. The training sought to deepen journalists’ comprehension of their responsibility in combating hate speech, misinformation, and disinformation that might erode public trust and social stability during elections. Mr. Abdullahi Hayir Duale, the Ministry’s Director General, formally concluded the proceedings and called upon journalists to cover elections responsibly and refrain from content that might provoke discord or incite conflict.

“The media serves a crucial function in preserving peace and fostering unity within society, particularly during elections. It is imperative that all communications are accurate, unbiased, and do not undermine social harmony,” stated the Director General. Certificates were presented to all participants at the end of the workshop to acknowledge their dedication and commitment to ethical journalism. The collaborative effort between Somalia’s Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism and the United Nations Transition Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) was instrumental in enhancing the competencies of journalists, media organizations, and public awareness campaigns.

Strengthening Media Capacity Across Somalia

The workshop represents the latest in a series of capacity-building initiatives aimed at preparing Somali journalists for accurate and ethical electoral coverage. In August 2025, a week-long media ethics training on responsible election coverage concluded in Dhuusamareb, bringing together 20 journalists from across Galmudug State. Participants engaged in practical sessions on fact-checking, balanced reporting, combating misinformation, and safeguarding journalists’ safety during politically sensitive periods.

The National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (NIEBC) also launched a specialized training workshop in Mogadishu for nearly 90 Somali journalists ahead of the Benadir region local elections. In strategic collaboration with the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), the training equipped media professionals with essential tools for objective and responsible reporting. NIEBC Chairman Abdikarim Ahmed Hassan reminded participants of their vital responsibility in maintaining high ethical standards on election day.

In October 2025, the Acting Director General of the Ministry of Information officially opened a weeklong training workshop in Mogadishu aimed at strengthening journalists’ ability to combat disinformation and fake news across Somalia. The program brought together 32 journalists from different regions of the country and was jointly organized by NUSOJ with support from the Government of Australia, focusing on sharpening participants’ skills in identifying, verifying, and countering false information.

UNTMIS Partnership and Regional Training

The United Nations Transition Mission in Somalia has been a consistent partner in media development. A two-day training program held in Baidoa, supported by UNTMIS and organized by the Somali Women Journalists Association (SOMWA), brought together 35 media professionals to enhance their skills in media ethics, gender-sensitive reporting, and the responsible coverage of issues related to gender-based violence (GBV). UNTMIS representatives noted that the initiative was part of the UN’s broader support for the media sector in Somalia, recognizing the power of journalism to advocate for justice and amplify the voices of vulnerable communities.

The Ministry of Information has emphasized that these capacity-building programs are essential as Somalia approaches a critical electoral period. The training on hate speech prevention aligns with broader national efforts to ensure that media coverage supports peaceful elections and encourages social cohesion rather than fueling division. The Federal Government has reaffirmed its 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.