Somali Media Council Elects New Leadership

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: The Somali Media Council Thursday elected new leadership in its first election since its establishment early this year marking a significant step in the council’s mission to unify and advance the Somali media landscape.

The council, which comprises nine members with representation from state media, private media, and civil society was initially chaired in an interim capacity by Mohamed Shil Hassan.

Candidates for the positions of Chair and Deputy Chair presented brief statements before the commencement of voting. After the ballots were counted, the election committee announced the new leaders.

Veteran journalist Abdirahman Mohamed Adan was elected as the Chairman of the Somali Media Council.

Adan brings a wealth of experience with an extensive media career spanning roles such as Output Editor of the Somali Section of the BBC World Service, TV and radio programs editor at Horn Afrique Media Network, and English language programs editor at Radio Mogadishu.

He is currently the East Africa Editor for Somali Cable TV and the founder of a media research consultancy that has undertaken various media-related projects in Somalia, Kenya, and the United Kingdom, including leading training programs for Somali media.

Adan holds an advanced university degree in broadcast journalism from Westminster University in London.

Fatuma Yusuf Saeed who was elected as the Deputy Chairperson is an experienced journalist currently serving at BBC Somali Service.

She previously worked with various media companies including working UN Radio Ergo, Radio Daljir, and SBC, where she has served in leadership positions as well. She was also the Director of One Nation Radio.

The newly elected leadership has pledged to focus on unity and the development of Somali media as a whole.

Their goal is to strengthen the role of the media in fostering societal and national development, ensuring that the media continues to play an important role in Somalia’s progress.