Somali Media Association (SOMA) Concludes First Two-Day Workshop on Police-Media Engagement in Somalia

Mogadishu, Somalia, 4 April 2026: The Somali Media Association (SOMA) has successfully concluded the first of a series of three two-day workshops aimed at strengthening collaboration between district-level police commanders and media professionals on public order and public information. The workshop, titled “A Professional Framework for Police-Media Engagement in Somalia,” was held on 1–2 April 2026 at the Jazeera Palace Hotel in Mogadishu, with support from International Media Support (IMS).

A total of 35 participants attended the workshop, including district police station commanders, investigators, checkpoint commanders, media managers, civil society representatives, and journalists.

The workshop was officially opened by Mohamed Abdulkadir, widely known as Moshin, Deputy Regional Police Commander of the Benadir region. In his opening remarks, he emphasized the importance of collaboration between the police and the media, stating:

“This workshop is crucial because the police and the media must work together in the public interest. The media plays a significant role in informing the public across Somalia.”

He encouraged participants to actively engage in the sessions and apply the knowledge gained in their daily work.

Also speaking during the opening session, Mohamed Abduwahab, Secretary General of SOMA, noted that similar workshops had previously been conducted in Jowhar and Baidoa, bringing together police and media professionals. He emphasized that the experiences and lessons from those workshops informed the design of the current workshop.

He also expressed appreciation to the police leadership, stating:

“We sincerely thank the police commanders for accepting to participate in this workshop. Their engagement demonstrates a strong commitment to improving cooperation with the media.”

During the opening session, Police Spokesperson Abdifitah highlighted the importance of partnership, noting:

“I believe the police are key partners of the media, despite existing challenges. I hope this workshop will contribute to ending impunity for crimes against journalists and encourage initiatives such as friendly football matches to promote cooperation rather than confrontation.”

The workshop was facilitated by Abukar Albadri, a media and communication expert. The legal session was led by Muse Moallim Mohamed, a lawyer and former Chief of the Benadir Regional Court. Farhiya Keyrta, Chairperson of SWJO, led the gender session, focusing on the challenges faced by women in the media, including detention, arrest, and mistreatment by police.

The training covered key topics, including public interest mandates, areas of friction between the police and the media in Somalia, high-risk responsibilities, and effective police-media engagement.

During the discussion session, Hamda, a journalist from Risaala TV, shared her personal experience of being detained for seven hours without due legal process while carrying out her professional duties. Her account highlighted the challenges journalists face in the line of duty.

In response, Jamila, a police commander at Gubta Police Station, issued an apology on behalf of the Somali Police Force and acknowledged that the incident constituted mistreatment. She emphasized the importance of adhering to legal procedures and respecting journalists’ rights, particularly when they are performing their professional duties.

Abdulkadir Mahamud, an investigator from Howl Wadag District, encouraged civil society organizations to play a more active role in advocating for media freedom. He stressed the importance of conducting regular visits to police stations, especially in cases where journalists are detained without due legal process. He also urged that police commanders be consistently reminded to uphold media laws and respect journalists’ rights.

In his closing remarks, Osman Muhudin Shatax, Chairperson of SONSA, commended the active participation of all stakeholders and reaffirmed SOMA’s commitment to strengthening cooperation between the media and law enforcement institutions. He emphasized that improved police-media relations are essential for promoting transparency, accountability, and public trust in Somalia.

He also expressed sincere appreciation to International Media Support (IMS) for their continued support in making the workshop possible, emphasizing the importance of their partnership in advancing media development and journalist safety in the country. He further recalled that in 2008, IMS organized a workshop in Nairobi for 28 Somali journalists who had been forced to flee the country due to insecurity, noting that he was at the time involved in human rights initiatives.

Also speaking at the closing, Mohamed Abduwahab, Secretary General of SOMA, noted that:

“At the beginning, some people did not believe that a workshop like this—bringing together police and media in an open and constructive dialogue—could take place. However, this achievement shows that progress is possible when there is willingness and commitment from all sides.”

He reaffirmed SOMA’s continued commitment to expanding such initiatives across Somalia.

The workshop concluded with all participants receiving certificates of attendance in recognition of their active participation. Participating police commanders reaffirmed their commitment to upholding media laws and improving engagement with the media by applying the knowledge and skills gained throughout the workshop in their daily operations.