MOGADISHU (SONNA) – The Minister of Defense, H.E. Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, today opened a one-day national crisis communication simulation exercise organised for media and communications officers from Federal Government institutions. The exercise focused on strengthening coordination, decision-making, and information management across government agencies during crises and security emergencies, particularly those involving terrorist incidents.
The simulation was organised by the Strategic Communications and Engagement Unit (SCEU) of the Office of the President, with training facilitated by experts from the UK Government Communication Service International (GCSI). The exercise aimed to test and refine the government’s crisis communication protocols through a practical, scenario-based approach.
Minister Fiqi noted that the initiative forms part of the Federal Government’s broader effort to build a unified, resilient, and responsive communication system that ensures the timely and accurate dissemination of public information during national emergencies. He underscored that the ongoing fight against terrorist groups demands both military capability and strategic communication strength, urging all government institutions to deliver coordinated and fact-based messaging that reflects realities on the ground and reinforces public confidence.
The opening ceremony was also attended by National Security Advisor, Ambassador Aweis Haji Yusuf, and Mr. Sam Thomas, Chargé d’Affaires of the UK Embassy in Somalia, both of whom commended Somalia’s continued progress in building institutional communication capacity and deepening the strategic partnership between Somalia and the United Kingdom.
The simulation exercise is expected to further enhance Somalia’s ability to coordinate whole-of-government communication responses, align national messaging with security and public information protocols, and professionalize the government’s media and communication systems in support of national resilience and stability.
