Somalia Minister of Defense, Ambassador Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, officially concluded a specialized military media training course on Wednesday evening.
The three-day workshop was hosted at the Ministry of Defense’s Media Center and brought together around 30 media officers from the Ministry and the Somali National Army’s communication units.
Goals of Media Training:
The training, led by a prominent media expert, aimed to enhance the defense media strategy and strengthen the capacity of Somalia’s military institutions in crafting coherent, professional narratives.
These messages are intended to support ongoing military operations and combat terrorist propaganda spread by Al-Shabaab militants.
Participants received practical guidance on how to unify messaging around the military’s achievements, counter disinformation campaigns, and effectively engage with the public through responsible and strategic communication.
Somalia Minister of Defense: “Media Is a Battlefield”
In his closing remarks, Minister Fiqi emphasized the critical role of information warfare, stating:
“Winning the media war is just as important as success on the battlefield. A professional national media can dismantle extremist narratives and protect public morale.”
He added,
“The truth, if skillfully communicated, becomes one of the strongest weapons in defeating the radical ideology of terrorists.”
The Minister also stressed the importance of building a comprehensive military media strategy that highlights the professionalism, discipline, and success of the Somali National Army.
Such efforts, he said, would not only boost the morale of soldiers but also strengthen public trust in the armed forces.
Closing Ceremony Attended by Key Officials
Joining Minister Fiqi at the closing ceremony were:
- Abdifatah Abdulkadir Farah, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defense
- Sheikh Abubakar Mohamed, Spokesperson for the Ministry
- Mohamed Musa Mohamed, Director of Armed Forces Radio
These officials participated in the final event and engaged with trainees as they showcased the skills gained during the course.
Somalia Defense Minister Final Address:
In his final address, the Defense Minister called on all media officers to utilize their training to:
- Deliver the truth to the Somali public
- Weaken enemy propaganda networks
- Uphold the dignity of Somali soldiers
“The morale and value of our troops are tied to how they are portrayed. Their sacrifices deserve honor, and our media must stand united with our people and armed forces in this national struggle against terrorism.”
