Mogadishu, Somalia – 15 July 2026 – The Somali Media Association (SOMA), with support from International Media Support (IMS), today convened the first national consultation workshop on the development of the Police–Media Engagement Protocol and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Somalia.
The consultation marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation between the Somali Police Force and the media through the development of a shared framework that promotes professionalism, mutual trust, accountability, and respect for the distinct mandates of both institutions.
The workshop builds on the outcomes of the Public Order and Public Information: A Professional Framework for Police–Media Engagement in Somalia workshop series held in April 2026, during which police officers and media professionals identified recurring challenges affecting their relationship.
The workshops concluded that tensions between the two institutions stem largely from structural gaps, weak communication mechanisms, inconsistent practices, and the absence of clear operational guidance, rather than deliberate institutional hostility. The workshop brought together 40 participants representing district police station commanders, journalists, media house managers, academia, the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, and civil society organizations.
Opening the workshop, SOMA Secretary General Mohamed Abduwahab said the initiative reflects SOMA’s long-term commitment to fostering constructive dialogue between journalists and law enforcement institutions.
“Today’s consultation is an important milestone in transforming dialogue into a practical framework that will benefit both the media and the police. By jointly developing these documents, we are creating clear standards that promote professionalism, accountability, public safety, and respect for press freedom. Ultimately, the greatest beneficiary will be the Somali public.”
The Spokesperson of the Somali Police Force, Abdifitah Adan, praised the role of the media in promoting peace and public awareness through responsible reporting and collaboration with security institutions. He expressed appreciation to SOMA and IMS for their continued support.
“The media remains an important partner in maintaining peace and informing the public. We commend SOMA and IMS for their unwavering commitment to strengthening police–media relations. Their efforts have brought two institutions that previously operated with mistrust into one room to build understanding, cooperation, and confidence.”
Representing the Federal Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Director of Strategic Communication Abdishakur Ali reaffirmed the Ministry’s support for the initiative.
“The Ministry considers this Protocol and SOP an important national framework. We will work with the relevant government institutions to facilitate its endorsement and implementation so that it becomes a practical reference for both the police and the media across Somalia.”
Officially opening the consultation, Deputy Commander of the Benadir Regional Police, Mohamed Abdulkadir (Moshin) described the workshop as a landmark step in institutional reform.
“This is a significant moment for Somalia. The development of a Police–Media Engagement Protocol and SOP demonstrates our collective commitment to professionalism and partnership. These documents will clearly define the respective roles and responsibilities of both institutions, reduce misunderstandings, and improve coordination during security incidents.”
He encouraged participants to become advocates for the initiative within their respective institutions.
“The police officers attending this consultation are ambassadors within their commands, and I encourage our colleagues from the media to become ambassadors in their newsrooms by sharing the knowledge and principles developed through this process.”
The consultation workshop featured a comprehensive presentation by Dr. Mustafa Mohamed, the lead consultant responsible for developing the Police–Media Engagement Protocol and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The presentation outlined the background and rationale for the initiative, highlighted the findings from the April 2026 Public Order and Public Information workshops, explained the purpose and scope of the proposed Protocol and SOP, and presented the roadmap for developing a common framework to guide engagement between the Somali Police Force and the media.
Following the presentation, participants engaged in constructive group discussions. They were divided into three thematic groups representing the police, the media, and a joint police–media group to examine the key challenges affecting police–media relations, identify practical solutions, and recommend measures to strengthen cooperation, communication, and mutual understanding. Each group later presented its recommendations during a plenary session, providing valuable feedback that will inform the next draft of the Protocol and SOP.
The Spokesperson of the Somali Police Force, Abdifitah Adan, delivered the closing remarks, commending participants for their constructive contributions and reaffirming the Somali Police Force’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with the media.
“Today’s discussions have demonstrated that both the police and the media share a common goal of serving the public. This Protocol and SOP will provide a clear framework for cooperation, reduce misunderstandings, and strengthen mutual trust. I encourage all participants to champion the implementation of these documents within their respective institutions so that today’s dialogue translates into lasting institutional change.”
He thanked SOMA and International Media Support (IMS) for spearheading the initiative and expressed confidence that the finalized Protocol and SOP would contribute to more professional engagement, improved information sharing, and enhanced public confidence in both the Somali Police Force and the media.
The recommendations generated during the first consultation workshop will be incorporated into the next draft of the Police–Media Engagement Protocol and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). SOMA will continue engaging stakeholders through subsequent consultations to ensure the framework reflects shared priorities and practical realities. Once finalized, the Protocol and SOPs are expected to strengthen cooperation, professionalism, and mutual trust between the Somali Police Force and the media.
