Mogadishu (SONNA): The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism of the Federal Government of Somalia has officially concluded a two-day training on preventing the spread of hate speech during election periods, held in Mogadishu.
The training brought together 35 journalists from 21 media outlets, including both state-run and private media organizations.
The objective of the training was to strengthen the role of the media in delivering credible election coverage, enhance journalists’ skills in addressing hate speech, and support peace and stability in the country.
During the sessions, participants received training on media ethics during elections, fact-checking, preventing the spread of misinformation, and the responsibility of the press in safeguarding social cohesion.
The Director General of the Ministry of Information, Mr. Abdullahi Hayir Duale, officially closed the training and urged journalists to report responsibly on elections and avoid content that could fuel division or incite tensions.
“The media plays a vital role in maintaining peace and uniting society, especially during elections. It is essential to ensure that the messages conveyed are factual, impartial, and do not harm social cohesion,” the Director General said.
At the conclusion of the training, certificates were awarded to all participants in recognition of their efforts and contributions to promoting responsible journalism.
The training was jointly organized by the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism of Somalia and the United Nations Transition Mission in Somalia, which plays a key role in strengthening the capacity of journalists, media institutions, and public awareness initiatives.
