Mogadishu, Somalia | June 23, 2026 — In partnership with the Finnish Foundation for Media and Development (VIKES), the Federation of Somali Journalists (FESOJ) convened a one day panel discussion on elections and inclusivity in Mogadishu on June 21, 2026.
The event brought together journalists, media managers, academics, civil society representatives, and other stakeholders to exchange views on inclusive electoral processes and democratic participation in Somalia.
Opening the event, FESOJ Secretary General Farah Omar Nur emphasized the importance of ensuring that all citizens have an equal opportunity to participate in democratic governance.
He noted that inclusive elections are fundamental to strengthening democracy and ensuring that all segments of society are represented in decision making processes.
Prior to the discussion, Ahmed Mohamed Ali, Head of FESOJ’s Training Department, delivered a presentation on elections and inclusivity, highlighting key democratic principles including transparency, accountability, equal participation, integrity, and respect for human rights.
The panel discussion featured Dr. Mohamed Hussein Ciise (Liban), a lecturer at Mogadishu University, Mama Duniya Mohamed Ali Carshan, a civil society representative, and senior journalist Hassan Mohamud Mohamed.
Moderated by veteran journalist Mohamed Mahmoud Adde, the session provided a platform for meaningful dialogue on the opportunities and challenges facing inclusive elections in Somalia.
Speaking during the discussion, Dr. Mohamed Hussein Ciise underscored the importance of strengthening public awareness and civic education to enable citizens to participate effectively in democratic processes.
Mama Duniya Mohamed Ali highlighted the need to ensure that women, youth, persons with disabilities, and marginalized communities are fully included in electoral and governance processes, noting that meaningful participation is essential to achieving representative democracy.
Senior journalist Hassan Mohamud Mohamed emphasized the critical role of independent media in providing balanced information, promoting informed public debate, and enhancing transparency throughout electoral processes. Participants further stressed the importance of cooperation among media institutions, civil society organizations, security agencies, academic institutions, and government bodies to support peaceful, credible, transparent, and inclusive elections that reflect the will of the Somali people.
The event forms part of FESOJ’s ongoing efforts to promote democratic participation, civic engagement, and informed public dialogue. With support from VIKES, FESOJ remains committed to creating platforms that strengthen understanding of democratic governance and reinforce the role of media and civil society in advancing inclusive elections and democratic development in Somalia.
