Gardho, Puntland – October, 2025 — The Media Association of Puntland (MAP), in collaboration with the Gardho District Administration, successfully hosted the Gardho Townhall Forum 2025 — a vibrant civic dialogue that brought together over 300 participants, including community members, Religious leaders, Traditional elders, civil society representatives, youth and women leaders, journalists, and local government officials.
The highly engaging event was attended by Gardho District Mayor Abdi Sicid Qaal, Puntland State Members of Parliament, and the Spokesperson of the Puntland Government, Jama Deperani. MAP was represented by its Chairperson, Mohamed Dahir Warsame, who reaffirmed MAP’s commitment to promoting inclusive governance and effective communication between citizens and authorities.
Also in attendance were district officials from Bosaso, representatives from the Ceel Dahir town, who were in Gardho at the time and expressed strong interest in the forum’s discussions. Their participation underscored growing regional collaboration and interest in replicating Gardho’s model of constructive dialogue and community engagement in their respective districts.
Mohamed Dahir, Chairperson of the Media Association of Puntland (MAP), welcomed participants to the forum and outlined its objectives — to strengthen dialogue between citizens, media, and local authorities on resilience and community-driven recovery. He explained that the event was part of MAP’s ongoing Danwadaag activities, which have been implemented in Garowe and Gardho over the past three years to promote inclusive governance and public participation.
Dahir commended the strong collaboration between MAP and Gardho Municipality in advancing the Danwadaag initiatives, noting that this partnership has helped bridge communication between citizens and leaders, foster trust, and enhance accountability. Looking ahead, he reaffirmed MAP’s commitment to sustaining these efforts and supporting journalists to continue reporting on disaster preparedness and community resilience.
“I welcome all participants to this important forum, part of MAP’s three-year Danwadaag efforts in Garowe and Gardho to strengthen dialogue between citizens, media, and local authorities. Our partnership with Gardho Municipality shows how media can bridge communities and leaders, building trust and accountability. MAP remains committed to empowering journalists and advancing community resilience.”
Mayor Abdi Siciid Qaal praised the townhall as an inspiring platform for open dialogue and collaboration, noting it was the third MAP-organized forum he had attended. He commended the initiative for strengthening engagement between citizens and authorities, calling it a model of inclusive governance.
Mayor Abdi Siciid Qaal praised the townhall as an inspiring platform for open dialogue and collaboration, noting it was the third MAP-organized forum he had attended. He commended the initiative for strengthening engagement between citizens and authorities, calling it a model of inclusive governance.
He thanked Gardho residents for their active participation and thoughtful questions on flood mitigation, noting they reflected genuine concern for the city’s future. The Mayor highlighted key achievements, including the successful relocation of the main market.
Looking ahead, he reaffirmed his commitment to a flood-resilient Gardho and said discussions with President Said Abdullahi Deni on the next phase of rehabilitation are already underway.
In his closing remarks, Mayor Qaal stated:
“I sincerely applaud MAP for creating this valuable platform where leaders and citizens engage as true partners. I also thank the people of Gardho for their vibrant participation and unwavering commitment. With the continued support of the Puntland government and our community’s resilience, the dream of a safer, flood-free Gardho is well within reach.”
After the keynote speeches from the MAP Chair and the detailed update by Mayor Qaal, the forum continued with remarks from Jama Deperani, spokesperson of the Puntland State House, and MP Bashir Aadan. The event then moved into its most engaging segment — audience participation and an interactive Q&A session.
Participants described the townhall as “electric and inspiring,” as discussions revisited progress since the previous year’s DRM forum and focused on advancing Gardho’s post-flood recovery and resilience plans.
In his briefing, Mayor Qaal announced that discussions were underway with the Puntland President to launch the second phase of DRM interventions in Gardho, aimed at strengthening community resilience and advancing long-term flood prevention measures. The audience warmly welcomed this commitment, urging that it be treated as a top priority for the municipality.
During the Q&A session, participants acknowledged that the first phase of recovery had brought significant relief but stressed that more work was needed to address remaining challenges. Citizens raised concerns about drainage maintenance, waste management, and the inclusion of vulnerable groups in recovery programs. Others emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between the municipality, media, and local communities to ensure transparency and sustained momentum.
The forum ended with a collective resolve to transform lessons into lasting change. Gardho’s experience stood as a reminder that resilience is not built by institutions alone, but by people united in purpose. MAP’s continued collaboration with local leaders and citizens promises to keep that momentum alive.
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