MOGADISHU: The Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism of the Federal Government of Somalia, Abdifitah Qasim Mohamud, on Saturday held an introductory and briefing meeting with the ministry’s director general and heads of various departments in the capital. During the session, the minister received detailed briefings on the ongoing work and primary responsibilities of the ministry, including activities within national media institutions and other departments under its purview. Following extensive discussions, the minister urged officials to intensify their efforts in delivering the ministry’s mandate to the nation and enhancing public service delivery.
The meeting came just ten days after Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre appointed Mohamud as the new minister, replacing Daud Aweis Jama. The selection followed constitutional provisions and was made after consultations with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, reflecting the government’s response to expanding responsibilities. The Prime Minister called on the new minister to perform his duties with diligence and commitment. Mohamud assumed the post at a critical time as Somalia approaches a pivotal electoral period, with the ministry actively working on initiatives to train journalists in ethical and responsible election coverage.
Prior to his appointment as information minister, Mohamud served as Deputy Minister of Defence. On May 11, 2026, the new minister was formally sworn in. On May 12, Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama presided over a formal transition ceremony at the ministry, marking the official handover between Mohamud and his predecessor Aweis. The deputy prime minister acknowledged the outgoing minister’s accomplishments and called on the new minister to maintain transparency and efficiency in his duties.
The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism serves a key function in government messaging, cultural preservation, and tourism advancement. In July 2025, the ministry announced the establishment of Somalia’s first Media Satellite Teleport in over three decades to modernize the country’s media and communications landscape. Under its new leadership, the ministry is expected to continue spearheading strategies to counter disinformation, support press freedom, and promote Somalia’s cultural heritage.
Outgoing minister Daud Aweis Jama had been actively engaged in international and domestic media diplomacy. In early May 2026, Aweis convened a meeting with UN Deputy Special Representative George Conway to strengthen media and humanitarian collaboration. He also led efforts to enhance the capacity of journalists, launching a two-day training session on hate speech prevention in election reporting just days before his departure.
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to creating a media environment that enables professionals to perform their duties with integrity, responsibility, and professionalism. The transition comes amid broader government efforts to streamline cabinet performance as Somalia approaches a pivotal electoral period.
Recommended Reading on ftlsomalia.com:
- Somalia’s PM Names New Information Minister
- Somali Deputy PM Witnesses Ministry Handover
- Ministry Wraps Up Workshop on Combating Hate Speech in Election Coverage
- Somalia Launches First Media Satellite Teleport in 35 Years
- Somalia’s Information Minister Holds Talks with UN Official on Media and Humanitarian Collaboration
- Minister Daud Aweis Marks World Press Freedom Day, Launches Hate Speech Workshop for Election Reporting
