Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia and the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) have launched the Peace Journalists strategic media initiative in Mogadishu, seeking to help national media confront harmful content spreading across the digital space.
Backed by the Saudi Arabian government, the initiative is designed to build the media sector’s ability to challenge extremist rhetoric, hate speech, disinformation and terrorist propaganda online.
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The launch ceremony brought together Somali Minister of Defense Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, IMCTC Secretary-General Maj. Gen. Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Moghedi, and senior Somali government, security and military officials.
Fiqi said Somalia’s fight against terrorism must extend beyond military and security operations, arguing that responsible journalism is also essential to shield communities from disinformation, radicalization and extremist messaging.
He said the program would advance moderation and peaceful coexistence, while praising the Saudi-led coalition for helping strengthen Somalia’s national capabilities and train media professionals.
Fiqi also reaffirmed Somalia’s commitment to playing an active role in counterterrorism efforts and severing the ideological, media and financial channels that support terrorism.
Al-Moghedi said the initiative would give journalists tools that go beyond the basic delivery of news, including analysis, verification, disinformation detection and the creation of effective counter-narratives.
He said trainees would learn how to trace disinformation sources, identify fake accounts, uncover coordinated influence operations and counter extremist narratives.
The program features specialized training for 40 journalists, academics and media specialists. Its curriculum will cover information disorder, digital verification, open-source intelligence, image and video analysis, network analysis, the psychological and social impact of extremist discourse, counter-narrative development and media literacy.
The launch comes as Somalia faces increasing pressure to take greater responsibility for its national security.
The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which replaced the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) on Jan. 1, 2025, has encountered major funding and logistical difficulties, fueling concern over the mission’s future.
With international security arrangements changing, the Somali government is expected to shoulder more responsibility for protecting the country, including the campaign against Al-Shabaab and other extremist groups.
The initiative forms part of a wider counterterrorism strategy that pairs military action with efforts to undermine extremist propaganda and influence across digital and information platforms.
