FESOJ Completed Training Workshop on The Impact of Disinformation on Peace building and Reporting
Mogadishu, Saturday, December 28, 2024: in partnership with VIKES, the Federation of Somali Journalists (FESOJ) has completed a two – day training workshop on the impact of disinformation on peace building and reporting in Mogadishu, Somalia.
Twenty persons participating the training were from Danan TV, Jiil Media, Somali light TV, Rays TV, Galgadud TV, RNN Somali TV, SBC TV, Mustaqbal Media, Radio Himilo, Banadir Regional Radio, Faculty of Journalism, Somali National University, Hamar Newspaper and Save Somali Women and Children (SSWC) organization.
The capacity building program on the impact of disinformation on peace building and reporting have been in progress from the 23rd to 24th December 2024 at Sahafi Hotel in Mogadishu city, Somalia.
Leading trainers from FESOJ has been facilitating presentations centering on main topics including: Media Law and Ethics, understanding the media, principles of media ethics, current challenges in Media Law and Ethics and fact-checking on disinformation.
“The intention of the trainings is the media to enhance the peace, and improve public understanding of the significance of peace and prevention of disinformation.” Farah Omar Nur, Secretary General of FESOJ has stated in his opening remarks.
On his part, Wali Hashi, VIKES Somali Program Coordinator pointed out that it is important to empower the media to shed light on the challenges caused by the disinformation, which has become common problems for the Somali people that needs to be addressed. He said there is need to improve the ethics of journalism as well.
“We appreciate FESOJ and VIKES for supporting this type of training for the Somali media. We have received many complaints against disinformation. It is appropriate to work with the government to find laws against disinformation, which is prohibited both religiously and legally.” Mohamedkafi Abukar , Director of Somali National TV stated in his official opening of the training program.
During the two- day training proceedings, the participants have been taken through themes on the impact of peace journalism, focusing on building social harmony, preventing conflicts, encouraging collaboration and supporting reconciliation.
Furthermore, the main topics covered included the impact of the disinformation in journalists that are creating social sensitive, escalating conflicts, eroding trust and spreading false narratives.
Hawa Ali Osman from the Save Somali Women and Children (SSWC) organization mentioned disinformation in social media used to insult individuals, accuse them of rape and their privacy is violated in order to extort money and humiliate them.
Abdirahman Salad Ali, reporter from Radio Himilo indicated the disinformation is often used by politicians during the election campaigns to gain political interest.
“Peace journalism leads to integration, unity and development, while disinformation leads to conflict and displacement. The journalists are required to build better future for themselves and for the country as well.” Mohamed Mohamud Adde, Senior media trainer and FESOJ consultant pointed out.
Wali Hashi , VIKES Somali Program Coordinator has presented a video clip showing the wars that took place in Somalia, the losses they caused, the displacement and humanitarian problems, and the resulting starvation He urged the media to work for peace in the future and prevent spread of disinformation.
In his closing remarks, Farah Omar Nur, FESOJ Secretary General appreciated the participants for their time in attending the workshop. He mentioned misuse of information can lead to conflict, but stressed for the need to be checked to prevent disinformation and strengthen peace.
