Mogadishu, Somalia – Türkiye’s Directorate of Communications, in collaboration with Anadolu Agency, has organized a specialized training session for Somali officials focusing on reporting direct elections.
The training, held in Mogadishu, seeks to strengthen Somalia’s media and government institutions in preparation for the country’s landmark 2026 “one person one vote” elections.
The session brought together journalists, communication officers, and electoral stakeholders from various federal and regional institutions.
Facilitators from Anadolu Agency led the program, sharing best practices on transparent and accurate electoral coverage, combating disinformation, and ensuring public access to credible information.
The initiative comes at a pivotal time as Somalia prepares for its first nationwide direct elections in decades.
However, political disagreements between federal and member state leaders continue to pose challenges to the electoral roadmap.
Turkish officials emphasized the importance of professional reporting in fostering public trust during democratic transitions.
“We are committed to supporting Somalia’s journey toward democracy. Reliable, independent information is crucial in strengthening institutions and building public confidence,” said a representative from Türkiye’s Directorate of Communications.
Somali participants expressed appreciation for the support, noting that such capacity-building efforts are vital in overcoming longstanding governance and communication gaps.
This training is part of a broader framework of cooperation between Türkiye and Somalia, reflecting Ankara’s ongoing commitment to enhancing institutional development, media freedom, and democratic governance in the Horn of Africa.