| Garowe, Puntland Somalia | 27 July 2026: The Media Association of Puntland (MAP) has concluded today a two-day Media–Civil Society Organization (CSO) Roundtable Dialogue in Galkayo, bringing together journalists, media practitioners, civil society organizations including women-led groups, youth representatives, community leaders, and other key stakeholders from Puntland and Galmudug. Held on 26–27 July 2026 under MAP’s initiative, “Promoting Peace Media and Dialogue in Galkayo through Multi-Stakeholder Engagement,” with support from International Media Support (IMS), the roundtable brought together stakeholders from Puntland and Galmudug to strengthen media–civil society cooperation, promote conflict-sensitive and responsible journalism, improve media safety, support implementation of the Media Peace Charter, and advance social cohesion. |
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| Building on MAP’s continued engagement in Galkayo, the dialogue recognized that sustainable peace requires both responsible reporting and stronger collaboration between media, civil society, and communities. Given Galkayo’s unique context—administratively divided between Puntland and Galmudug yet connected by longstanding social, economic, and cultural ties—the dialogue provided an important platform for stakeholders from both sides to address shared challenges, strengthen communication, build trust, and identify practical ways to promote peaceful coexistence. |
| “Today’s dialogue builds on MAP’s long-standing commitment to bringing together media and civil society from both Puntland and Galmudug to strengthen peace across Galkayo. Each time we come together, we reinforce the message that peace is built through cooperation, trust, and open dialogue’’ — Naima Musse, Secretary General, MAP. |
| Over two days, participants explored practical challenges affecting media and communities in Galkayo through discussions, case studies, and group exercises. Key topics included peace journalism, conflict-sensitive and ethical reporting, misinformation and disinformation, hate speech prevention, implementation of the Media Peace Charter, and strengthening collaboration between media and civil society. Discussions highlighted how the flow of information can either contribute to tensions or promote understanding, depending on the accuracy, context, and responsibility behind reporting. |
| Participants emphasized the need for stronger verification practices, responsible digital engagement, and closer cooperation to address the growing impact of misinformation, particularly on social media platforms. They noted that credible information and constructive narratives are essential for building public trust and supporting peaceful coexistence. Building on these discussions, MAP will use the identified gaps and recommendations to shape upcoming capacity-building activities under the project. The planned training will strengthen journalists’ and civil society actors’ skills in conflict-sensitive reporting, fact-checking, ethical journalism, and responsible information sharing to promote more informed and resilient communities. Concluding the dialogue, the Media Association of Puntland (MAP) reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration between the media and civil society as a foundation for promoting peace, social cohesion, and responsible journalism. MAP emphasized that the dialogue marks the beginning of a sustained effort to equip journalists and civil society actors with the knowledge, skills, and partnerships needed to counter misinformation, promote ethical reporting, and strengthen public trust through informed and inclusive community engagement. |
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