Hargeisa (SLpost)- Somaliland’s Minister of Information, Culture and National Guidance, Barkhad Jama Hirsi (Batuun) has presented a comprehensive briefing to the Cabinet on the government’s efforts to strengthen the country’s media sector and finalize a National Public Awareness Policy aimed at improving government communication and civic awareness.
During the Cabinet meeting, the Minister outlined a series of reforms intended to modernize Somaliland’s media industry by enhancing the professionalism, institutional capacity and ethical standards of independent media organizations operating across the country.
According to a statement issued by the Presidential Palace on Wednesday, the Minister beriefed that his ministry has prepared a national plan to register and support independent media institutions. He pointed out the nitiative seeks to improve journalists’ professional skills through training, promote adherence to internationally recognized ethical standards and strengthen the institutional capacity of media organizations to enable them to operate more effectively and sustainably.
The minister said the reforms are intended to empower the media to play a greater role in promoting democratic governance, encouraging informed public debate, increasing civic participation and safeguarding Somaliland’s sovereignty, national interests and statehood.
The Minister also informed the Cabinet that the Ministry is in the final stages of developing a National Public Awareness Policy, which will establish a unified framework for government communication and public information campaigns. The policy is expected to improve coordination among public institutions, strengthen national unity and increase public understanding of issues of national importance.
Minister Barkhad said the framework would help build a more informed and resilient society capable of identifying and countering misinformation and disinformation while supporting Somaliland’s development priorities amid evolving political and regional challenges.
Media Sector Faces Opportunities and Challenges
Somaliland has one of the most vibrant media landscapes in the Horn of Africa, with dozens of privately owned news websites, television stations and digital media platforms operating alongside state-owned outlets. The rapid growth of online journalism and social media over the past decade has expanded public access to information and created new avenues for public discourse.
Despite this progress, the media sector continues to face significant structural and operational challenges. Many independent media organizations struggle with limited financial resources, making long-term sustainability difficult. Journalists often have limited access to professional training, modern newsroom technology and specialized reporting skills, while the fast-paced digital news environment has increased pressure to verify information quickly and combat the spread of misinformation.
Another major challenge facing journalists is the alleged intimidation and violation of their rights by some government officials. Press freedom advocates have documented cases in which journalists were reportedly subjected to arbitrary arrests without court warrants, while others have allegedly faced physical assaults or harassment in connection with their work. Such incidents have raised concerns among local and international media rights organizations about press freedom and the safety of journalists in Somaliland.
Media stakeholders have also emphasized the need to strengthen professional ethics, improve self-regulation, expand legal protections for journalists and foster constructive cooperation between government institutions and independent media while safeguarding editorial independence and freedom of expression.
Government officials say the proposed reforms are intended to address many of these challenges by creating a more professional, accountable and resilient media environment capable of supporting democratic development, responsible journalism and informed public participation.
The Cabinet briefing underscored the government’s broader commitment to strengthening public communication, improving media professionalism and establishing a coordinated national communication strategy to support Somaliland’s long-term development and democratic governance.
Critics Question Effectiveness Without Media Law
Despite the government’s ambitious reform agenda, some media experts, journalists and civil society organizations have questioned whether the proposed initiatives can be fully implemented without first enacting Somaliland’s long-pending Media Law.
Critics argue that while efforts to improve professional standards, register media organizations and strengthen institutional capacity are welcome, the absence of an updated legal framework creates uncertainty for both media institutions and journalists. They contend that many of the proposed reforms require a clear legal foundation defining the rights, responsibilities and regulatory framework governing the media sector.
Somaliland’s revised Media Law has remained in draft form for several years and has yet to be debated and approved by both Houses of Parliament before being signed into law. Consequently, some observers believe the Ministry’s proposals may face legal and practical obstacles until the legislation is formally enacted.
Media stakeholders have also called on the government to engage journalists, media owners, legal experts and civil society organizations in a broad consultative process to ensure that any new regulatory framework both protects press freedom and promotes professionalism, accountability and ethical journalism.
Supporters of the reforms, however, argue that initiatives such as journalist training, institutional capacity-building and improvements in public communication can proceed alongside the legislative process, with the Media Law eventually providing the legal framework necessary for their long-term implementation.
The debate reflects the broader challenge of balancing media development, professional regulation and freedom of expression as Somaliland continues its efforts to modernize the communications sector and strengthen democratic governance.
SOURCE: Somalilandpost News
