HARGEISA (SD) – Somaliland’s Minister of Information, Culture and Public Awareness, Barkhad Jama Hirsi Batun, presented a report to the Cabinet on the state of the media sector and the government’s national public awareness strategy.

The Minister informed the Cabinet that the Ministry is preparing a National Media Registration and Accreditation Plan for independent media organizations operating in Somaliland. According to the Minister, the initiative aims to strengthen journalists’ professional knowledge, skills, and ethical standards while promoting a modern and responsible media sector.

He said the plan is intended to support the development of democracy, increase public awareness, and strengthen media participation in promoting the nationhood, interests, and international profile of the Republic of Somaliland.

The Minister also briefed the Cabinet on the development of a National Public Awareness Policy, designed to coordinate national messaging, strengthen civic awareness, reinforce shared national values, and improve public understanding of the country’s strategic priorities.

According to the Ministry, the policy is intended to help build a well-informed society capable of identifying misinformation while supporting Somaliland’s national development objectives during what it described as a critical period for the country.

In addition, Minister Batun presented a report on President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro)’s recent official visit to Israel, noting that both international and domestic media provided extensive coverage of the visit. He commended Somaliland’s media organizations for their role in promoting national interests and informing the public about the President’s diplomatic engagements.

The government’s proposed media reforms reflect Somaliland’s effort to build a more professional and accountable media sector while strengthening national communication during a period of expanding international engagement. From Somaliland’s perspective, improving journalistic standards and developing a coordinated public awareness strategy can help counter misinformation, promote responsible reporting, and present Somaliland’s achievements more effectively to both domestic and international audiences. Supporters also view the emphasis on national messaging as part of broader efforts to reinforce national unity and advance Somaliland’s diplomatic and development objectives.