Somalia launches IMCTC-backed training to counter extremist propaganda
Somalia has begun training journalists and social media content producers under a programme supported by the Islamic Military Counter-Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC), with the aim of strengthening the media's role in countering extremist propaganda and disinformation.
The Peace Journalists programme was launched in Mogadishu on Saturday as part of broader cooperation between Somalia and the Saudi Arabia-supported coalition. The initiative, supported by the Saudi Arabian government, brings together 40 journalists, academics, media professionals and social media influencers from government and private media organisations across the country.
The launch ceremony was attended by Somali Minister of Defence Ahmed Moallim Fiqi and IMCTC Secretary-General Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Moghedi, as well as senior Somali government, security and military officials, according to a report by Hiiraan Online. The Eastleigh Voice reported that the programme is part of a wider package of projects involving more than ten government institutions, including those responsible for defence, internal security, information, finance, religious affairs, national security, immigration, and communications.
Training to combat disinformation
The training covers digital verification, open-source intelligence, image and video analysis, network analysis, and identifying manipulated information. It also includes information disorder, and the psychological and social effects of extremist discourse, counter-narrative and media literacy.
The initiative is designed to help journalists understand how extremist organisations use online platforms and to produce content that counters extremist narratives without amplifying them. This includes exposure to fake accounts, identifying coordinated influence operations, and responding to extremist narratives.
Official statements: 'More than military operations'
Somali Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi said countering terrorism requires more than just military operations, stressing the need for responsible media discourse to protect communities. He praised the Saudi-led coalition, saying it supported the development of national capabilities and the training of media professionals.
IMCTC Secretary-General Al-Moghedi said the programme equips journalists with skills beyond simple transmitting, such as analysis, verification, detecting disinformation, and developing counter-narratives. He stressed that journalists can help the public distinguish between reliable information and content designed to create confusion.
A broader security vacuum
The initiative comes as Somalia faces growing pressure to take greater responsibility for its national security. The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) replaced the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) on Jan. 1, 2025, and AUSSOM has faced funding and logistical challenges. As a result, the Somali government is expected to assume greater responsibility for security, including countering counter-insurgency, with the cooperation reflecting a broader approach that combines military operations with measures to counter extremist propaganda.
Fiqi noted that Somalia is adopting a broad approach that combines security operations with media, ideological, and economic measures as it continues its campaign against terrorist groups. The initiative is part of earlier discussions between Somalia and the coalition, expanding the partnership into the media sector.