Mogadishu, Monday, 05, 2026 {HMC} The Federation of Somali Journalists (FESOJ) has conducted a two- day capacity building workshop on freedom of speech and safety media environment focusing on gender equality in media, combating disinformation and promoting sustainable journalism in Dhuusamareeb city, Galmudug State, Somalia.
The workshop conducted in partnership with the Finnish Foundation for Media Development (VIKES) has been held from 22nd to 23rd December 2025, at Beder Hotel & Restaurant for twenty-five participants (14 male and 11 female) in Dhuusamareeb city, Galmudug State of Somalia.The participants were from Radio Dayah, Radio Galgaduud, Radio Ergo, SNTV, Galmudug TV, Sooyaal TV with freelancer journalists.
The training was intending to strengthen journalists’ understanding and practical skills to uphold freedom of expression while ensuring their personal safety and professionalism in challenging media environments.
“Freedom of expression is fundamental to democracy, and journalists play a vital role in raising public awareness within our communities,” said Ali Mohamud Farah (Ali Seeko), Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, while officially opening the workshop.
He also raised the need for improving the safety of the media to ensure journalists can report freely and independently without fear of threats and violence. ensuring journalists can report freely and independently.
Furthermore, through presentation and group discussions, the participants analyzed key topics including gender equality in the media, combating disinformation, and sustainable journalism. The discussions enabled participants to share experiences, identify challenges, and propose practical solutions to strengthen ethical, safe, and inclusive media practices.
Moreover, the participants have been given opportunity to exchange discussions and different views on Freedom of opinion and expression; equality before the law, role of free press, freedom to hold opinions without interference, the challenges against the press freedom and freedom of expression in Somalia and how to improve the safety of the media and journalists.
In conclusion, the participating journalists expressed strong appreciation for the training, noting that it improved their understanding of freedom of expression, legal protections, and media safety. The journalists indicated increased confidence in reporting responsibly while protecting their personal safety, especially in high-risk environments.
The participants also valued the practical safety guidance and discussions on challenges facing media freedom in Somalia, and recommended continued, regular trainings to further strengthen professional, ethical, and safe journalism practices.
In his closing remarks, Hassan Mohamed Dahir,senior trainer from FESOJ expressed appreciation for the participants, facilitators, and partners for their active engagement throughout this training.
“This workshop has strengthened our shared understanding of freedom of expression and the importance of a safe media environment. We encourage participants to apply the knowledge and skills gained to promote ethical journalism, protect their safety, and uphold press freedom in their daily work.” He pointed out saying together, let us continue building a professional, safe, and independent media sector.
