The Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism of the Federal Government of Somalia, H.E. Abdulfatah Qasim Mohamud, today officially closed the Second Somali Strategic Communication Forum 2026, held in Mogadishu from 7–8 September 2026.
The two-day Forum brought together representatives from Federal Government institutions, Federal Member States, the Banadir Regional Administration, media professionals and organisations, international partners, civil society, academia and social media influencers.
Held under the theme “Shaping the Future of Somalia’s Media in the Digital Era,” the Forum focused on the development and modernisation of Somalia’s media sector, strengthening government communications, promoting access to credible and reliable public information, countering misinformation and disinformation, adapting to emerging technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI), strengthening media ethics, and building a professional, resilient and future-ready Somali media sector.
Throughout the Forum, participants engaged in panel discussions, presentations, expert sessions and consultations examining the state of Somalia’s media sector, the opportunities and challenges arising from emerging technologies, priority actions for media development, and the critical role of media and strategic communication in liberation efforts, stabilisation, humanitarian response and peacebuilding in Somalia.
The Forum also featured a dedicated inter-ministerial meeting bringing together the Ministries of Information of the Federal Government, Federal Member States and the Banadir Regional Administration. The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation and coordination across government communications, advancing the implementation of the National Communication Strategy, improving the coherence of key government messages, and establishing sustainable coordination mechanisms across different levels of government.
Colonel Hassan Ali Nur Shuute, Chairman of the Armed Forces Court of First Instance, who attended the closing session, said the Strategic Communication Forum had come at a critical time when Somalia needs to accelerate the modernisation of its media sector and strengthen strategic public communication and public awareness. He further emphasised that countering misinformation, disinformation and narratives that fuel division within society is a national priority requiring coordinated action and collective responsibility.
H.E. Nur Sidow Baba, Minister of Information and Public Awareness of South West State, speaking on behalf of the Federal Member States and the Banadir Regional Administration, called for stronger cooperation among government institutions, particularly in adapting to the rapidly evolving media environment and addressing the risks posed by misinformation and disinformation.
Closing the Forum, the Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, H.E. Abdulfatah Qasim Mohamud, reaffirmed the Federal Government of Somalia’s commitment to modernising the country’s media sector, strengthening the professional capacity of media practitioners, enhancing government communications, and fostering a credible and trusted information environment.
Minister Abdulfatah thanked the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) for its support towards the successful organisation of the Forum. He also commended Federal Government institutions, Federal Member States, the Banadir Regional Administration, Somali media organisations, international partners, experts, academics and all stakeholders who contributed to the successful delivery of the Forum.
Outcomes and Next Steps
The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism will prepare the 2026 Forum Outcomes and Summary Report, providing a comprehensive record of the key discussions, recommendations, identified needs, priorities and outcomes emerging from all sessions of the two-day Forum.
The report will inform a post-Forum action and follow-up framework, including efforts to strengthen government communication coordination, advance the development and modernisation of Somalia’s media sector, and guide cooperation between the Federal Government of Somalia and international partners supporting media development and strategic communication.
The Second Somali Strategic Communication Forum concluded with a shared understanding of the importance of institutionalising the Forum as a sustainable national platform for consultation, coordination and cooperation, bringing together government institutions, media, partners and other stakeholders to advance Somalia’s media and strategic communication priorities
