MOGADISHU, Somalia – The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), in collaboration with the National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (NIEBC), has successfully concluded a specialized training program designed to equip over 100 journalists with the skills necessary for professional election coverage. The workshop, attended by 102 reporters, editors, and media practitioners, focused on electoral reporting standards, journalist safety, and strategies to counter disinformation.
Held on December 16-17, 2025, the training drew participants from 27 mainstream private and state media houses in Mogadishu, all of which are registered to cover the upcoming Banadir regional local council elections. A central component of the sessions involved direct engagement with the Electoral Commission, providing media workers with firsthand knowledge of electoral guidelines, rules, and procedures. The curriculum emphasized the importance of accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting, ensuring that journalists can navigate the complexities of the electoral process independently and fairly.
NUSOJ Secretary General Omar Faruk Osman described the initiative as both timely and essential given the significance of the polls. “When major newsworthy events are taking place and journalists and media houses are actively geared up to cover them, it is important to strengthen the professional capacity of local journalists,” Osman stated. He highlighted the need to prepare media professionals to safeguard their own security while simultaneously detecting and neutralizing misinformation that could threaten electoral integrity.
Beyond professional standards, the workshop addressed the critical issue of safety in high-risk environments. Discussions centered on the responsibilities of authorities to protect media workers and the proactive measures journalists must take to mitigate risks in the field.
In a related development earlier today, the leadership of NUSOJ and the Somali Media Women Association (SOMWA) convened a strategic meeting with NIEBC Chairperson Abdikarim Ahmed Hassan to solidify commitments regarding media protection. Following the talks, the Chairperson, flanked by the Somali Federal Police Commissioner and the Benadir Police Commissioner, publicly announced that the safety of journalists is “fully guaranteed.” The officials assured the press corps of “unhindered access” throughout the voting process, reinforcing the essential role of a free press in Somalia’s democratic journey.
