Mogadishu, Thursday, 24 April 2025 – The Somali Media Association (SOMA), with support from International Media Support (IMS), successfully concluded a three-day training on journalists’ safety and protection. The training took place at Jazeera Palace Hotel in Mogadishu from 22 to 24 April 2025.
A total of 30 journalists—8 women and 22 men—from media houses across various towns and regions of Somalia, including Mogadishu, Galkaio, Garowe, Bosaso, Kismaayo, Bardhere, Dolow, Jowhar, Bal’ad, Afgooye, Walaweyn, Guricel, Adado, Goldogob, and Baxdo. The sessions were led by expert trainers specializing in journalist safety.
The primary objective of the training was to equip journalists with the necessary skills and knowledge to work and operate safely in high-risk environments.
The opening remarks were delivered by Mr. Mohamed Muse, SOMA’s Director of the Training Programs Department. He encouraged participants to fully engage in the sessions, apply what they learned in their daily work, and share the knowledge with fellow journalists who were not part of the training. During the training, topics covered included situational awareness, media and security forces, digital security, and mental health and psychosocial support for the journalists.
Mohamed Hassa, one of the participants in the training, stated: “I was assigned to cover a peaceful demonstration at KM4 junction in Mogadishu. When I arrived at the scene with my colleague, a police officer ran toward us, ordered us to lie down on the tarmac, and took our media equipment. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to identify him, his name, or his duty station. Thankfully, another nearby officer later approached me and shared his name and the station where he works. I didn’t think to look at the number plate of the police vehicle involved. Because I hadn’t received safety training before, however, After attending this training, I now understand how important it is to observe and remember such details. From now on, I will make sure to look carefully at any recognizable signs or markings on vehicles or uniforms so I can report incidents more accurately and protect myself better.”
Mus’ab Abdirahman, another participant, pointed out, “I am a survivor of the hotel bombing at Pearl Beach, Lido Beach. At the time of the explosion, I was on the first floor of the hotel and found myself in a highly dangerous and uncertain situation. Unfortunately, I had never attended any safety or protection training before, and I was unprepared to respond effectively. Participating in this training has provided me with essential knowledge and practical skills to react appropriately in case of explosions or other emergencies. I now feel more confident and better equipped to ensure my safety and that of those around me in high-risk situations.”
In conclusion, all participants successfully completed the three-day training and were awarded certificates of attendance in recognition of their participation and commitment to improving journalists’ safety and protection.
SOMA remains firmly committed to promoting the safety and professional development of journalists across Somalia. We extend our sincere gratitude to the International Media Support (IMS) for its continued support and partnership, which has been instrumental in making this important training possible.
