Somalia Launches Islamic Military Counter-Terrorism Coalition Projects Focused On Media and Preventing Extremism

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia has launched a series of projects by the Islamic Military Counter-Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) aimed at strengthening efforts to counter terrorism and violent extremism, with a particular focus on public awareness and the role of the media.

The launch ceremony took place in Mogadishu and was attended by senior Somali government officials, military commanders, diplomats, representatives of the IMCTC and international partners.

Among those present were Defence Minister Ahmed Moallin Fiqi, Justice Minister Hassan Maalim Mohamud and Internal Security Minister Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail (Fartaag).

The first initiative launched was the Peace Journalists Programme, which seeks to strengthen the role of journalists and media organisations in preventing extremism and terrorism while promoting peace, social cohesion and public awareness.

The programme reflects a growing emphasis on using communication and community engagement alongside security operations in efforts to counter extremist ideologies.

Somalia has been battling Al-Shabaab for more than a decade, with government and allied forces continuing military operations against the group while authorities and international partners have increasingly stressed the importance of addressing the ideological and social factors that help extremist groups recruit and operate.

The IMCTC projects are expected to strengthen cooperation between Somalia and international institutions working on counter-terrorism and preventing violent extremism.

The focus on journalists is particularly significant in Somalia, where media organisations operate in a challenging security environment but also play an important role in informing communities, countering misinformation and promoting messages aimed at preventing radicalisation.

The launch brings together the security, justice and communications dimensions of Somalia’s broader counter-terrorism strategy, highlighting an approach that goes beyond military operations to include public awareness, institutional cooperation and community resilience.