Minister of Information Closes Training for National Media Teams Ahead of Banadir Local Council Elections

The Federal Government of Somalia’s Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Daud Aweis Jama, on Wednesday afternoon officially concluded a specialized training program for more than 60 reporters and cameramen from the National Media who will cover the Banadir Regional Local Council elections scheduled to take place on Thursday, the 25th of this month.

The closing ceremony was attended by the Deputy Minister of Information, Hon. Abdirahman Yusuf Al-Cadaala, the Director General of the Ministry, Hon. Abdullahi Khayr, as well as directors of various departments within the National Media. During the event, participating media personnel were given final guidance and practical briefings on how they will conduct their duties on election day.

Deputy Minister Abdirahman Al-Cadaala, who first expressed appreciation to the leadership and staff of the National Media for their efforts throughout the electoral process, urged the journalists selected to cover the elections to demonstrate professionalism, accuracy, and transparency. He emphasized that the journalists should rely on their media skills and the training they received to ensure credible and responsible coverage.

He further noted that national leadership has directed the National Media to maintain strict neutrality, stressing that all election candidates and political organizations must be given equal and fair coverage, consistent with the approach adopted in recent days.

Minister Daud Aweis Jama, who officially closed the training, reminded National Media personnel to exercise caution, impartiality, and professionalism while covering the elections. He encouraged them to adhere to ethical journalism standards and apply the skills gained during the training to ensure balanced and accurate reporting.

The Minister also commended the National Media for its extensive coverage of the voter registration process, political party campaigns, and the overall preparedness of both public and private media outlets to deliver live and comprehensive coverage of the upcoming direct local council elections in the districts of Banadir Region, scheduled for Thursday, the 25th of this month.