Qardho, Puntland — 16 September 2026 — The Media Association of Puntland (MAP), in collaboration with Free Press Unlimited (FPU) under the Danwadaag programme, convened a one-day media dialogue in Qardho bringing together 15 journalists and media professionals.
The dialogue reviewed progress and ongoing challenges in disaster-risk reporting, while also discussing the broader state of the media, including freedom of expression, access to information and the operating environment for journalists in Puntland.
Participants noted improvements in how journalists report disaster risks, with greater emphasis on verification, context, responsible reporting, early warnings and preparedness rather than reporting only after disasters occur. |
However, significant gaps remain in the wider information system. Journalists continue to face challenges accessing timely, accurate and verified information from authorities, technical experts and disaster-risk actors. Public information is also often fragmented, while broader concerns around access to information and freedom of expression continue to affect the media environment.
MAP stresses that strengthening disaster preparedness requires more than improving journalists’ skills. Local authorities, humanitarian organisations, DRM institutions and technical agencies must strengthen their engagement with the media and ensure reliable information reaches journalists and communities in time.
The Association also calls for greater and coordinated use of mainstream media, including radio, television and established news platforms, alongside community-based and digital communication. Consistent and credible messaging is essential to ensuring early warnings and preparedness information reaches wider audiences.
The dialogue comes as Puntland prepares for the 2026 Deyr season, amid concerns over potential flooding and anticipated El Niño conditions. Participants emphasized that preparedness must begin before an emergency, with journalists having access to reliable information and institutions maintaining clear channels for public communication.
The recommendations from the dialogue will inform MAP’s 2026 position paper on media and disaster risk management and contribute to ongoing discussions with relevant stakeholders.
Closing the dialogue, MAP Program’s Director Ibrahim Abdirahman said:“We have seen clear progress in disaster-risk reporting, particularly in verification, context and preparedness. But the media cannot do this alone. Institutions must provide timely and reliable information and work more closely with journalists. Preparedness depends on ensuring the right information reaches communities early enough to act.”
MAP recognizes the progress made by journalists while emphasizing that effective disaster preparedness also depends on stronger cooperation between the media and institutions responsible for public information, as well as an enabling environment for journalists to work freely and responsibly. |
