Mogadishu, Somalia – Somali leaders, civil society organizations, and international partners will gather in Mogadishu from 1–3 September 2025 for the National Forum on Freedom of Expression, a high-level dialogue aimed at strengthening one of the country’s most critical democratic rights.
The three-day forum comes at a time when Somalia is grappling with complex challenges related to media freedom, civic engagement, and the protection of journalists. Organizers say the event will provide a platform to assess progress, share experiences, and craft practical recommendations on how to expand and safeguard freedom of expression in a fragile political environment.
Government representatives, parliamentarians, media professionals, academics, and youth leaders are expected to join discussions alongside international partners who continue to support Somalia’s democratic transition. Topics on the agenda include the role of independent media in state-building, combating disinformation, promoting responsible journalism, and ensuring legal protections for those exercising their right to free speech.
Observers note that Somalia has made incremental gains in recent years, with reforms in the media sector and growing civic activism. However, threats and harassment against journalists, coupled with insecurity and restrictive practices, remain pressing concerns. By convening a broad coalition of stakeholders, the forum aims to build consensus around a roadmap that balances freedom of expression with the need to counter misinformation and hate speech.
The outcomes of the Mogadishu meeting are expected to feed into wider national policy debates and inform legislative reforms currently under consideration by Somalia’s federal parliament. International partners have also expressed hope that the dialogue will strengthen cooperation between government and civil society, ultimately contributing to a more open and inclusive political space.