Somaliland Vice President Engages Independent Media in Coordinated Drought Response

His Excellency Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi, Vice President of the Republic of Somaliland and Chair of the National Drought Relief Committee (NDRC), today convened a high-level consultative meeting with key representatives from Somaliland’s independent media sector to discuss strategies for enhancing the national response to the country’s ongoing drought crisis.

The meeting, held in Hargeisa, forms part of the government’s broader efforts to strengthen coordination and communication as communities across Somaliland continue to face the harsh impacts of prolonged drought. The session aimed to foster closer collaboration between the media and the NDRC, recognizing the vital role journalists and media institutions play in raising public awareness, mobilizing support, and ensuring timely dissemination of accurate information during emergencies.

In his remarks, Vice President Aw Abdi highlighted the essential function of the media as both a democratic institution and a humanitarian actor. He called on media houses to take an active role in informing citizens, amplifying the voices of affected communities, and promoting national solidarity during this critical period.

Committee members echoed the Vice President’s sentiments, emphasizing that the drought constitutes a national emergency requiring the engagement of all sectors, including the media. They urged journalists to prioritize responsible reporting that encourages compassion, resilience, and mutual aid.

Representatives from legacy and digital media outlets, along with the Somaliland Journalists Association (SOLJA), voiced their commitment to supporting the national drought response. They pledged to participate in public awareness campaigns, share verified updates, and align their reporting with the overarching goal of addressing the needs of drought-affected populations.

The media delegates also requested consistent access to reliable data and regular briefings from the NDRC to ensure their coverage remains factual, timely, and in line with national priorities.

In his closing remarks, Vice President Aw Abdi applauded the media’s willingness to engage proactively and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transparency, cooperation, and shared responsibility. He urged continued collaboration to ensure that every message disseminated contributes to public understanding, unity, and a strong collective response to the humanitarian crisis.