The National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (NIEBC) of Somalia has officially launched a training program for Somali journalists who will be covering the upcoming elections, with a strong focus on media ethics and professional conduct during the electoral period.
The training was inaugurated in Mogadishu by the Chairperson of the National Electoral and Boundaries Commission, H.E. Abdikarim Ahmed Hassan. Nearly 90 Somali journalists are participating in the program, which aims to enhance responsible, accurate, and ethical election reporting.
The training is jointly organized by the National Electoral Commission and the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ). During the opening session, the Secretary General of NUSOJ, Mr. Omar Farooq Osman—who also serves as a member of the Election Media Code of Conduct Committee—delivered a keynote address. He emphasized the importance of the training for journalists and reaffirmed the commitment of Somali media professionals to report on the upcoming elections with integrity, fairness, and professionalism.
Chairperson Abdikarim Ahmed Hassan also addressed the participants, underscoring the critical role of journalists in safeguarding the credibility of the electoral process. He reminded media practitioners of the importance of upholding ethical standards on election day and assured them that the Electoral Commission will fully support journalists in carrying out their duties effectively.
The training is intended to equip participating journalists,who will be reporting on the Local Council elections scheduled to take place on the 25th of this month in districts across the Banadir region,with the necessary knowledge and skills to observe media ethics and professional conduct throughout the election period.
Organizers noted that strengthening ethical election reporting is essential to promoting transparency, public trust, and informed citizen participation in Somalia’s democratic process.