Somamedia Media Association

Somamedia Media Association The Network is a non political, non-profit making Media association aimed at catalysing the exchange of professional ideas of Radio Stations in Somalia

Shabakkadda 2013 (or Network 2013,) is the Association of 19 Radio Stations in Somalia with the purpose of to promoting the principles of a free, independent and professional Somali media dedicated to advancing peace, reconciliation and democratic values, and in particular to strengthen the capacity of radio stations as public service providers for the Somali community, thereby contributing to pea

ce, reconciliation and development. The Network members will:

- Aspire to uphold globally accepted standards of professional media ethics
- Seek to influence the development of policies and laws to promote a conducive environment for media and freedom of expression
- Respect and promote Somali culture and national heritage

Xoghayaha dalladda SOMA Mohamed Abduwahab Abdullahi ayaa si adag u cambaareeyey xariga sharci darrada ah ee wariyaasha k...
08/05/2026

Xoghayaha dalladda SOMA Mohamed Abduwahab Abdullahi ayaa si adag u cambaareeyey xariga sharci darrada ah ee wariyaasha kala ah Maamed Bulbul, Abdixafid Nuur iyo Abdishakur Maxamuud.

"Seddexda wariye ilaa hadda lama yaqaan halka ay ku xiranyihiin, xoga aan helnay ayaa noo shewgay in ciidanka kaxaystay ay ka tirsanaayewn ciidanka Nabad sugidda taas oo ah mid khilaafsan shiruucda dalka" ayuu yiti Xoghayaha SOMA.

"Waxaan dalbanaynaa in xorriyadooda si deg deg ah loo siiyo wariyaashaas haddii ay jirto wax tuhun ah oo loo qabo loo soomaro shuruucda dalka" ayaa raaciyey Xogahayaha SOMA.

08/05/2026

Xoghayaha SOMA Mohamed Abduwahab Abdullahi aya aka qayb galay dood wadaag ku saabsan maalinta xorriyadda Saxaafadda oo lagu qabtay safaaradda UK ee Muqdisho.

Dalladda Warbaahinta Soomaaliyeed ee SOMA oo taageero ka helaysa hay’adda IMS ayaa Muqdisho ku soo gabagabeysay aqoon-is...
15/04/2026

Dalladda Warbaahinta Soomaaliyeed ee SOMA oo taageero ka helaysa hay’adda IMS ayaa Muqdisho ku soo gabagabeysay aqoon-is-weydaarsigii saddexaad oo ay ka qeybgaleen taliyeyaasha booliska degmooyinka gobolka Banaadir, weriyeyaal, madaxda warbaahinta iyo bulshada rayidka.

Tababarkan oo socday saddex toddobaad ayaa diiradda lagu saaray xoojinta amniga bulshada, wacyigelinta dadweynaha iyo horumarinta wada shaqeynta u dhaxeysa booliska iyo warbaahinta, iyadoo ay ka faa’iideysteen in ka badan 105 qof.

Munaasabadda xiritaanka waxaa ka qeyb galay saraakiil sare oo ay ka mid yihiin Taliye ku xigeenka Booliska Soomaaliyeed Jen. Cusmaan Kaniif iyo Taliyaha Booliska Gobolka Banaadir G/sare Macallin Mahdi, waxaana sidoo kale halkaasi ka hadlay wakiillo ka socday culimada Soomaaliyeed, guddoomiyaha bulshada rayidka, iyo xoghayaha guud ee SOMA, kuwaas oo dhammaantood bogaadiyay muhiimadda tababarkan iyo doorka uu ka qaadanayo xoojinta iskaashiga warbaahinta, bulshada iyo hay’adaha amniga.

Gaba gabada waxaa shahaado la gudoonsiiyey dhammaan ka qayb galayaasha Siminaarkaas seddexda toddobaad socday.

Shahaado qaybinta aqoon is-waydaarsigii labaad ee u dhexeeya Saraakiisha Booliiska, madaxda Warbaahinta iyo bulshada ray...
09/04/2026

Shahaado qaybinta aqoon is-waydaarsigii labaad ee u dhexeeya Saraakiisha Booliiska, madaxda Warbaahinta iyo bulshada rayidka.

Dalladda Warbaahinta Soomaaliyeed ee SOMA, oo taageero ka helaysa hay'adda IMS, ayaa maanta soo gabagabeysay aqoon-is-we...
08/04/2026

Dalladda Warbaahinta Soomaaliyeed ee SOMA, oo taageero ka helaysa hay'adda IMS, ayaa maanta soo gabagabeysay aqoon-is-weydaarsigii labaad ee u dhexeeyay taliyeyaasha booliiska degmooyinka gobolka Banaadir, madaxda warbaahinta, iyo wakiillo ka socday bulshada rayidka Soomaaliyeed.

Aqoon-is-weydaarsigan oo socday 7–8 April 2026 ayaa diiradda lagu saaray xoojinta amniga bulshada, kor u qaadidda wacyigelinta dadweynaha, iyo horumarinta wada shaqeynta u dhaxeysa booliiska iyo warbaahinta. Intii uu socday kulanka, ka qeybgalayaashu waxay ka doodeen caqabadaha jira ee xiriirka labada dhinac, gaar ahaan dhinacyada xog-wadaagga, kalsoonida, iyo sida loo maareeyo wararka la xiriira amniga.

Sidoo kale, waxaa la isla falanqeeyay habab wax ku ool ah oo lagu xoojin karo isfahamka, iyadoo la adkeynayo doorka warbaahinta ee wacyigelinta bulshada iyo kan booliiska ee sugidda amniga.

Ka qeybgalayaasha ayaa soo jeediyay in la sameeyo hannaan joogto ah oo wadashaqeyn iyo isgaarsiin ah si loo yareeyo isfaham la’aanta loona xoojiyo nabadgelyada bulshada.

Xoghayaha guud ee dalladda SOMA Maxamed C/wahaab oo soo xiray kulanka ayaa uga mahadceliyey dhammaan ka qeybgalayaasha sida firfircoon ee ay uga qeyb galeen aqoon-is-weydaarsiga muddadii labada maalin ahayd, wuxuu si gaar ah u ammaanay taliyeyaasha booliiska iyo madaxda warbaahinta sida ay isu dhex galeen, ugana doodeen arrimaha muhiimka ah si hufan oo furan, taasoo muujinaysa horumar laga gaaray isfahamka iyo wada shaqeynta labada dhinac.

Ugu dambeyn, aqoon-is-weydaarsiga ayaa lagu soo gabagabeeyay talooyin iyo qorsheyaal wax ku ool ah oo lagu horumarinayo xiriirka booliiska, warbaahinta, iyo bulshada rayidka, si loo helo bulsho ammaan ah oo si wanaagsan loo wacyigeliyay.

Somali Media Association (SOMA) Concludes First Two-Day Workshop on Police-Media Engagement in Somalia.Mogadishu, Somali...
04/04/2026

Somali Media Association (SOMA) Concludes First Two-Day Workshop on Police-Media Engagement in Somalia.

Mogadishu, Somalia, 4 April 2026: The Somali Media Association (SOMA) has successfully concluded the first of a series of three two-day workshops aimed at strengthening collaboration between district-level police commanders and media professionals on public order and public information. The workshop, titled “A Professional Framework for Police-Media Engagement in Somalia,” was held on 1–2 April 2026 at the Jazeera Palace Hotel in Mogadishu, with support from International Media Support (IMS).

A total of 35 participants attended the workshop, including district police station commanders, investigators, checkpoint commanders, media managers, civil society representatives, and journalists.

The workshop was officially opened by Mohamed Abdulkadir, widely known as Moshin, Deputy Regional Police Commander of the Benadir region. In his opening remarks, he emphasized the importance of collaboration between the police and the media, stating:

“This workshop is crucial because the police and the media must work together in the public interest. The media plays a significant role in informing the public across Somalia.”

He encouraged participants to actively engage in the sessions and apply the knowledge gained in their daily work.

Also speaking during the opening session, Mohamed Abduwahab, Secretary General of SOMA, noted that similar workshops had previously been conducted in Jowhar and Baidoa, bringing together police and media professionals. He emphasized that the experiences and lessons from those workshops informed the design of the current workshop.

He also expressed appreciation to the police leadership, stating:

“We sincerely thank the police commanders for accepting to participate in this workshop. Their engagement demonstrates a strong commitment to improving cooperation with the media.”

During the opening session, Police Spokesperson Abdifitah highlighted the importance of partnership, noting:

“I believe the police are key partners of the media, despite existing challenges. I hope this workshop will contribute to ending impunity for crimes against journalists and encourage initiatives such as friendly football matches to promote cooperation rather than confrontation.”

The workshop was facilitated by Abukar Albadri, a media and communication expert. The legal session was led by Muse Moallim Mohamed, a lawyer and former Chief of the Benadir Regional Court. Farhiya Keyrta, Chairperson of SWJO, led the gender session, focusing on the challenges faced by women in the media, including detention, arrest, and mistreatment by police.

The training covered key topics, including public interest mandates, areas of friction between the police and the media in Somalia, high-risk responsibilities, and effective police-media engagement.

During the discussion session, Hamda, a journalist from Risaala TV, shared her personal experience of being detained for seven hours without due legal process while carrying out her professional duties. Her account highlighted the challenges journalists face in the line of duty.

In response, Jamila, a police commander at Gubta Police Station, issued an apology on behalf of the Somali Police Force and acknowledged that the incident constituted mistreatment. She emphasized the importance of adhering to legal procedures and respecting journalists’ rights, particularly when they are performing their professional duties.

Abdulkadir Mahamud, an investigator from Howl Wadag District, encouraged civil society organizations to play a more active role in advocating for media freedom. He stressed the importance of conducting regular visits to police stations, especially in cases where journalists are detained without due legal process. He also urged that police commanders be consistently reminded to uphold media laws and respect journalists’ rights.

In his closing remarks, Osman Muhudin Shatax, Chairperson of SONSA, commended the active participation of all stakeholders and reaffirmed SOMA’s commitment to strengthening cooperation between the media and law enforcement institutions. He emphasized that improved police-media relations are essential for promoting transparency, accountability, and public trust in Somalia.

He also expressed sincere appreciation to International Media Support (IMS) for their continued support in making the workshop possible, emphasizing the importance of their partnership in advancing media development and journalist safety in the country. He further recalled that in 2008, IMS organized a workshop in Nairobi for 28 Somali journalists who had been forced to flee the country due to insecurity, noting that he was at the time involved in human rights initiatives.

Also speaking at the closing, Mohamed Abduwahab, Secretary General of SOMA, noted that:

“At the beginning, some people did not believe that a workshop like this—bringing together police and media in an open and constructive dialogue—could take place. However, this achievement shows that progress is possible when there is willingness and commitment from all sides.”

He reaffirmed SOMA’s continued commitment to expanding such initiatives across Somalia.

The workshop concluded with all participants receiving certificates of attendance in recognition of their active participation. Participating police commanders reaffirmed their commitment to upholding media laws and improving engagement with the media by applying the knowledge and skills gained throughout the workshop in their daily operations.

Hay’adaha SOMA iyo IMS ayaa maanta magaalada Muqdisho ku soo gaba-gabeeyey aqoon-isweydaarsi socday muddo laba maalmood ...
02/04/2026

Hay’adaha SOMA iyo IMS ayaa maanta magaalada Muqdisho ku soo gaba-gabeeyey aqoon-isweydaarsi socday muddo laba maalmood ah, kaas oo ay ka qeyb galeen saraakiil ka tirsan Booliiska, madax ka socotay warbaahinta iyo hoggaamiyeyaal ka tirsan bulshada rayidka Soomaaliyeed.

Aqoon-isweydaarsigan ayaa diiradda lagu saaray xoojinta amniga bulshada iyo horumarinta wada-shaqeynta ka dhaxeysa warbaahinta iyo hay’adaha ammaanka, gaar ahaan Booliiska. Waxaa ka faa’iideystay 35 xubnood oo ka kala socday saddexda dhinac, kuwaas oo door muhiim ah ka qaata wacyigelinta bulshada iyo sugidda amniga.

Intii uu socday tababarka, ka qeybgalayaasha ayaa is dhaafsaday khibrado iyo aragtiyo ku saabsan sida loo wanaajin karo xiriirka iyo iskaashiga u dhexeeya warbaahinta iyo Booliiska, si loo helo bulsho amni leh oo xog-ogaal ah.

Gaba-gabadii aqoon-isweydaarsiga, waxaa shahaadooyin la guddoonsiiyey dhammaan ka qeybgalayaashii, iyadoo la rajeynayo in aqoonta ay heleen ay ku dabaqi doonaan shaqadooda maalinlaha ah.

Maanta waxaa magaalada Muqdisho ka furmay aqoon-isweydaarsi muhiim ah oo ku saabsan amniga bulshada iyo wacyigelinta bul...
01/04/2026

Maanta waxaa magaalada Muqdisho ka furmay aqoon-isweydaarsi muhiim ah oo ku saabsan amniga bulshada iyo wacyigelinta bulshada, kaas oo socon doona muddo laba maalmood ah.

Aqoon-isweydaarsigan ayaa waxaa ka qayb qaadanaya 15 sarkaal oo ay ku jiraan taliyeyaasha degmooyinka gobolka Banaadir, kuwaas oo door muhiim ah ka qaata sugidda amniga iyo la shaqeynta bulshada. Sidoo kale, waxaa ka qayb galaya 20 xubnood oo ka kala socda warbaahinta iyo bulshada rayidka ah, kuwaas oo laf-dhabar u ah gaarsiinta fariimaha wacyigelinta iyo kor u qaadidda fahamka bulshada.

Ujeeddada aqoon-isweydaarsigan ayaa ah in la xoojiyo iskaashiga u dhexeeya hay’adaha amniga, warbaahinta, iyo bulshada rayidka ah, si loo helo bulsho nabad ah oo si wadajir ah uga qayb qaadata ka hortagga falalka amni-darrada ah. Inta uu socdo tababarka, ka qaybgalayaasha ayaa lagu baran doonaa hababka ugu wanaagsan ee wacyigelinta bulshada, doorka warbaahinta ee nabad-dhisidda, iyo sidii loo abuuri lahaa xiriir dhow oo dhexmara shacabka iyo hay’adaha amniga.

Intii lagu guda jiray furitaanka, waxaa hadallo ka jeediyay masuuliyiin kala duwan oo muhiim ah, kuwaas oo muujiyay muhiimadda aqoon-isweydaarsigan. Waxaa ka mid ahaa afhayeenka Booliiska Soomaaliyeed, Abdifatah Aaden, kusimaha taliyaha qaybta guud ahana taliye xigeenk ee gobolka Banaadir G/dhexe, Mohamed Abdukadir Mooshin, iyo xoghayaha guud ee dalladda SOMA, Mohamed Abduwahab. Masuuliyiintan ayaa si wadajir ah u adkeeyay baahida loo qabo iskaashi dhow oo dhexmara hay’adaha amniga, warbaahinta, iyo bulshada rayidka ah.

Tababarkan oo socon doona muddo laba maalmood ah, waxaa iska kaashaday hay’adda IMS iyo dalladda warbaahinta Soomaaliyeed ee SOMA, kuwaas oo door muuqda ka qaadanaya horumarinta warbaahinta iyo xoojinta nabadda iyo xasiloonida dalka.

Ugu dambeyn, aqoon-isweydaarsigan ayaa la filayaa inuu horseedo faham iyo iskaashi waara oo u dhexeeya dhinacyada kala duwan, taas oo gacan ka geysan karta horumarinta amniga iyo wacyigelinta bulshada ee gobolka Banaadir.

SOMA Concludes Two-Day Membership Meeting on Gender in Media to Strengthen Inclusive Storytelling.Mogadishu, Somalia, 24...
25/12/2025

SOMA Concludes Two-Day Membership Meeting on Gender in Media to Strengthen Inclusive Storytelling.

Mogadishu, Somalia, 24 December 2025: The Somali Media Association (SOMA) successfully concluded a two-day membership meeting on Gender in Media, held in Mogadishu from 21–22 December 2025, under the theme “Strengthening Inclusive Storytelling and Gender-Responsive Media.” The meeting brought together 40 SOMA members from across Somalia, including senior SOMA leadership, media directors, editors, and journalists.

The meeting was officially opened by the SOMA Secretary General, Mohamed Abduwahab, who delivered the opening remarks and outlined the importance of the meeting in strengthening inclusive and gender-responsive media in Somalia. He emphasized the responsibility of media institutions to ensure fair representation and meaningful participation of women in media content and decision-making processes.

“This meeting is an important opportunity for SOMA members to reflect on how our media platforms can better represent women’s voices and experiences. Gender-responsive media is not optional—it is essential for credible storytelling and for building an inclusive media sector that reflects Somali society,” said Mohamed Abduwahab.

The meeting aimed to strengthen inclusive storytelling, promote gender-responsive media practices, and enhance accountability within Somali newsrooms. It also provided a platform for members to reflect on progress made, identify ongoing challenges, and define future priorities for advancing gender equality in the media sector.

Day One focused on Gender in Somali Media, featuring a presentation of key findings from the gender study and an introduction to the Gender Tracking Tool, presented by Farhiya Kheyre, Chairperson of the Somali Women Journalists Organization (SWJO). The session was followed by an in-depth discussion on challenges related to gender representation, newsroom culture, and editorial practices, also facilitated by Farhiya.

Abdulkadir Gurre, a Director of Galgadud Radio, highlighted the value of the discussions and practical session: “The sessions on gender in media helped us critically examine how women are represented in our reporting and newsroom structures. The gender tracking tool gives us a practical way to measure progress and hold ourselves accountable moving forward,” said one SOMA member and journalist.
Hani Mohamed, a female journalist, also shared her perspective on the importance of the gender-focused discussions:
“The gender session allowed us to share the real challenges women journalists face in newsrooms, from limited opportunities to unequal representation. It also provided valuable insights and practical strategies that we can use to improve inclusion and gender equality in our work.”

Day Two centered on reflection, learning, and future planning. As part of an assessment of the Wadaag Programme, Ahmed Absie presented a comprehensive review marking nine years of the programme’s implementation. The evaluation highlighted Wadaag’s achievements in promoting social cohesion, while also identifying key lessons learned and areas for improvement—particularly in strengthening women’s participation within the programme.

Mohamed Aseyr, a Radio Jowhar Manager, made a concrete commitment to advancing women’s participation: “The Wadaag Programme review challenged us to take practical action. As a radio manager, I am committed to ensuring that at least one female journalist from our station is included in the Wadaag Programme to strengthen women’s participation and representation moving forward.”

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from SOMA and its members to advancing gender equality, inclusive storytelling, and gender-responsive media as essential elements of a strong, representative, and inclusive media sector in Somalia.

SOMA Condemns NIEBC Interference in Media Coverage of Benadir Local Council Elections Mogadishu – Somalia, 22 December 2...
23/12/2025

SOMA Condemns NIEBC Interference in Media Coverage of Benadir Local Council Elections

Mogadishu – Somalia, 22 December 2025: Members of the Somali Media Association (SOMA) convened for a membership meeting on Gender in Media and broader challenges facing the Somali media sector.

The meeting provided a platform for discussion on gender equality, newsroom practices, and the conditions necessary for independent and professional journalism.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Secretary General of SOMA delivered a press statement expressing serious concerns regarding recent actions by the National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (NIEBC) that threaten media freedom and journalistic independence ahead of the Benadir Region local council elections scheduled for 25 December.

SOMA is deeply concerned about the establishment of a media committee composed of nine individuals nominated by the NIEBC, tasked with overseeing media operations during the election period through a proposed Code of Conduct. This committee conducted training for journalists ahead of the upcoming elections. Ultimately, journalists were threatened with arrest if they failed to comply with the Code of Conduct, and they refused to sign the contract, resulting in the cancellation of the meeting. The Commission does not have the legal authority to set or enforce a media code of conduct, as this responsibility lies with Parliament under the Interim Constitution, in consultation with media stakeholders.

These actions represent clear interference in the independent work of journalists and media houses, contradicting constitutional guarantees and international standards on freedom of expression and press freedom. The mandate of the NIEBC is to ensure free, fair, credible, and transparent elections, not to control editorial decisions or journalistic content. Attempts to do so blur institutional boundaries, undermine democratic norms, and erode public trust in both the electoral process and state institutions.

The Secretary General of SOMA strongly condemns these actions, describing them as inconsistent with internationally recognized standards governing democratic elections and media freedom. He stated:

“Any attempt to control or influence media coverage during elections undermines democratic principles and puts the credibility of the electoral process at serious risk. We call on all institutions to respect the independence of journalists and uphold international best practices.”

SOMA calls on the NIEBC to focus on its core responsibilities, particularly safeguarding electoral integrity and transparency, and to fully respect the independence and professionalism of journalists and media institutions. The Somali media will continue to report on the elections independently, guided by professional ethics, accuracy, balance, and journalistic integrity, without undue interference from any institution.

SOMA reiterates that a free, independent, and pluralistic media is essential for credible elections and democratic governance. Any attempt to undermine media freedom violates democratic principles and erodes public confidence in the electoral process.

SOMA urges the NIEBC to reconsider its approach, engage constructively with media stakeholders, and uphold press freedom, transparency, and accountability throughout the electoral period.

In conclusion, SOMA emphasizes that security agencies must respect and protect journalists, ensuring they can carry out their work safely at poll stations across the region. Journalists must be able to report freely without fear, enabling citizens to access accurate and timely information during the elections.

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Muqdisho

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