Mogadishu, Somalia – 31 August 2026 –The Federation of Somali Journalists (FESOJ), with support from the Finnish Foundation for Media and Development (VIKES), has successfully completed a two-day training on reporting on humanitarian crises, climate change and conflict in Somali context in Mogadishu, Somalia. The training held on 29th to 30thAugust 2026, aimed at strengthening their capacity to report accurately and effectively on humanitarian crises, climate change and conflict in the Somali context.
The training brought together twenty journalists from various media organizations including FESOJ, Somali National University (SNU), Jamhuuriya University, Green Light Association, Action for Environment Education for Somalia (EFASOM), Arladi TV and Somali Academy – Digital Skills Training Center (SODEMY).
Speaking at the opening session, FESOJ Secretary General, Farah Omar Nur, said “This significant training is designed to strengthen the practical knowledge and professional competence of journalists, enabling them to report more effectively on humanitarian crises, climate change and conflict in the Somali context. These are three interconnected challenges that require accurate, responsible and professional reporting.”
Mohamed Mohamud Adde, Senior Media Expert and FESOJ Consultant, highlighted the importance and sensitivity of the key topics covered by the training. He noted that the media plays an important role in raising community awareness about climate change and its consequences.
He urged journalists to take full advantage of the capacity-building opportunity to strengthen their knowledge and professional reporting skills. He also commended VIKES for its continued support in promoting and strengthening the professional capacities of Somali journalists.
The main topics covered during the two-day training program included the definition and nature of humanitarian crises and their effects on communities; key principles of humanitarian reporting; the role of the media in humanitarian crises; and the production and presentation of radio programs on humanitarian crises.
Other key themes covered during the training included climate change reporting; the definition and causes of climate change; the links between climate change, clan conflicts, internal displacement and Al-Shabaab movements; the impacts of climate change; reporting on climate solutions; and basic radio climate-story formulas.
Furthermore, the training covered key topics related to conflict, including the different types of conflicts, the root causes of conflicts in Somalia, and their impacts on communities. Participants also explored the positive role of the media in addressing and mitigating conflicts in Somalia, as well as the production of conflict-sensitive radio stories.
Reflecting on the training Mohamed Hassan Isaaq, one of the participants from Somali Academy – Digital Skills Training Center (SODEMY), in the two-day training, expressed his satisfaction with the knowledge and skills gained on reporting humanitarian issues, climate change, and conflict. He appreciated the opportunity to enhance his reporting capacity and thanked FESOJ and VIKES for organizing the training. He also highlighted the commitment of participants who had travelled from different regions of Somalia to attend the training.
“The two-day training strengthened our skills in conflict-sensitive reporting and showed us how to promote peace and help de-escalate tensions through responsible journalism. We also gained valuable knowledge on environmental challenges, particularly deforestation. I sincerely thank FESOJ and VIKES for supporting this important training and strengthening our reporting skills.” Anisa Abdalla Adan, freelance digital creator and training participant stated.
Furthermore, Iqra Haruse Salad, content creator, one of the participants expressed appreciation for the training, noting that it strengthened her understanding of climate change, humanitarian issues, droughts, floods, land degradation, and deforestation. She thanked FESOJ and VIKES for organizing the training and providing valuable new insights.
Closing the training, Farah Omar Nur, Secretary General of FESOJ pointed out the two-day training at Sahafi Hotel in Mogadishu brought together 20 journalists and social media content creators (ten men and ten women—to strengthen their capacity to report on climate change, humanitarian issues, and conflict. “A WhatsApp group was established for follow-up, with expectations that participants would apply the skills gained to produce impactful content and positively influence their audiences. We appreciate VIKES for supporting FESOJ in implementing the training.” He stated.
The training is part of program activities supported by the Finnish Foundation for Media and Development (VIKES) and implemented by the Federation of Somali Journalists (FESOJ).
