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A new digital media center strengthens practical journalism training in Somalia

by Admin
written by Admin

Somalia National University（SNU） has inaugurated a new Digital Media Center at its main campus in Mogadishu, marking an important step toward more practical and skills-based journalism education.

The center, supported by Fojo Media Institute, provides journalism students with access to a functional training studio equipped with cameras, microphones, studio lighting, and editing computers. Green Media Initiative (GMI) supported the initiative as an advisory consultant, contributing to the planning and establishment of the studio and ensuring it was aligned with practical training needs.

The Digital Media Center is designed to help bridge the gap between theory and practice by enabling students to apply classroom learning in a controlled, professional production environment. This responds to long-standing challenges in journalism education in Somalia, where access to studio facilities and hands-on training opportunities has been limited.

The first activity hosted in the new center was a two-day studio training for journalism lecturers, focused on the effective use of the Digital Media Center for practical teaching. This was followed by a five-day Mobile Journalism (Mojo) training for journalism students and early-career media practitioners. The training was facilitated by Ahmed Absie from GMI and focused on practical reporting, filming, editing, and storytelling using mobile phones. In parallel, selected journalism lecturers were capacitated to manage and use the studio effectively and to integrate studio-based assignments into regular academic programmes.

Together, the establishment of the Digital Media Center, the training of lecturers, and the hands-on MoJo training for students lay a strong foundation for sustained practical journalism education at SNU. It is hoped that the center will continue to support the development of skilled, ethical journalists and contribute positively to the quality and resilience of Somalia’s media sector.

Green Media Initiative warmly appreciates Fojo Media Institute for its continued support and meaningful contribution to strengthening journalism education in Somalia.

Watch a short video produced by students during the five-day MoJo training, highlighting practical sessions and learning outcomes from the programme.

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Video: GMI Brings Environmental Awareness, Education, and Stewardship to Schools

by Admin
written by Admin

Green Media Initiative (GMI) conducted an environmental awareness and education visit to Ileys Academy School in Mogadishu, one of the city’s primary, intermediate, and secondary schools with a large student population. The visit forms part of GMI’s wider mission to strengthen environmental literacy and climate awareness among communities across Somalia, with a particular focus on young people.

During the visit, GMI delivered an interactive and child-friendly session focused on environmental protection, waste management, the harmful impacts of plastic pollution and unmanaged waste, and the importance of tree planting as a practical response to environmental degradation and climate change.

In Somalia, environmental responsibility is often overlooked due to prolonged conflict, urban pressure, weak waste systems, and limited public awareness. As a result, issues such as plastic pollution, deforestation, land degradation, and climate-related shocks continue to affect livelihoods, public health, and future generations. GMI believes that long-term environmental protection must start with education, and that schools are critical spaces for shaping values, behavior, and civic responsibility.

The session was led by Hamdi Mohamed Hassan, a GMI team member and an environmental and agricultural production advocate, who actively engaged students from different grade levels gathered at the school theater. Using participatory methods—discussion, questions, and practical examples—she helped students connect environmental challenges to their daily lives and future responsibilities.

The session was also supported by Faduma Mohamud Dirie, an environmental advocate deeply involved in tree-planting initiatives and green education for children. She emphasized the importance of introducing environmental stewardship at an early age so that caring for the environment becomes a lifelong habit rather than a temporary campaign.

Through interactive dialogue, students gained essential knowledge about their role in protecting the environment, reducing waste, maintaining cleanliness, and understanding climate change impacts. They also learned that environmental protection is a shared civic responsibility, involving all generations including children as future leaders, citizens, and decision-makers.

Beyond this school visit, GMI continues to work through media, storytelling, community engagement, and education initiatives to raise awareness of Somalia’s environmental and climate crises. GMI remains committed to promoting early green education as a foundation for climate resilience and sustainable development—nurturing a new generation that understands environmental challenges and is empowered to act on them.

Watch the video below to see how GMI is engaging school children in environmental awareness and stewardship.

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Somalia’s Environment Ministry in Crisis: Fact-Check Exposes Fake Projects, False Claims, and Failed Leadership

by Admin
written by Admin 3 mins read

Introduction

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change （MOECC） in Somalia has come under intense public scrutiny, prompting a defensive video release that purports to showcase the achievements of Minister General Bashir Mohamed Jama during his first seven months in office. In a detailed fact-check, the Green Media Initiative (GMI) has systematically dismantled these claims, revealing a significant discrepancy between the ministry’s public narrative and the verifiable reality of its operations. This investigation raises profound questions not only about the ministry’s efficacy but also about the political appointments that place individuals without relevant expertise in critical governmental roles. Compounding these issues are persistent reports from credible sources of rampant corruption and administrative incompetence, which have allegedly led to the Ministry of Finance assuming direct oversight of MOECC’s core mandates.

Public Reactions
Screenshots reveal growing public criticism of the MOECC’s top leadership, raising questions over their competence, qualifications, and credibility in steering Somalia’s environmental and climate agenda.

Detailed Findings and Critical Analysis

1. Institutional Establishment and Development: The Illusion of Progress

The ministry’s claims regarding the establishment of two key environmental bodies appear to be demonstrably false.

  • Somali National Meteorological Agency (SNMA): The video misleadingly suggests that the SNMA has been established under the current leadership. GMI’s investigation confirms that the legislative framework for this agency was submitted to both the Cabinet and Parliament in October 2023, and its development has been an ongoing process for over three years. The ministry’s current leadership has done little more than inherit a long-standing obligation, presenting it as a new achievement.
  • National Environmental Management Agency (NEMA): The claim that this agency exists is unsubstantiated. GMI found no evidence of a formal structure or legal framework. While preliminary discussions may be underway, the assertion of its establishment is a significant overstatement. Such misrepresentation misleads the public and erodes trust in government.

2. Policy and Legislative Frameworks: Claiming Predecessor’s Work

A central theme of the ministry’s self-promotional video is the finalization of three crucial legal and policy instruments. However, a critical review reveals that these frameworks were all completed and approved before Minister Bashir’s appointment.

  • Environmental Protection & Management Act: Validated in April 2024.
  • National Environmental Policy: Endorsed in February 2023.
  • Environmental and Social Impact Assessment and Regulations: Finalized in May 2024.

By including these pre-existing achievements in its list, the current administration is deliberately co-opting the work of its predecessor, Ambassador Khadija Almakhzoumi, to create a false impression of productivity. This tactic highlights a deep-seated lack of substantive progress during the current minister’s tenure.

3.”Green Somalia” Initiative: Verifiable Evidence vs. Hyperbole

  • Afforestation Claims: The assertion of planting over 2 million trees is highly suspect. GMI’s documented findings are limited to a modest, small-scale tree-planting campaign in 10 schools in Banadir Region. The ministry has provided no data or verifiable evidence to support the monumental figure it has publicized, suggesting a profound disconnect between rhetoric and reality.
  • Energy-Saving Stove Distribution: The distribution of energy-saving stoves is cited as a recent achievement. However, GMI’s investigation traced this initiative to the PROSCAL project in early 2023. No new distribution efforts under the current administration have been confirmed. This recycling of past project successes suggests an inability to initiate and execute new, meaningful programs.

The MOECC’s narrative on the “Green Somalia” initiative relies on unverifiable claims and re-packaged past activities. Much like the minister’s repeated appearances in his trademark green suits, these exaggerated claims reinforce the idea that his leadership is more symbolic than practical — projecting an image of environmental commitment while failing to deliver measurable results.

4. Plastic Ban Campaigns and Waste Management: Stagnation and Symbolic Gestures

The momentum from previous plastic ban campaigns has effectively collapsed. While the ban was actively implemented in 2024, the current administration’s efforts in 2025 have been reduced to just two symbolic events in Baidoa and Dusamareb. The absence of comprehensive data on the scale or impact of waste management activities reinforces the perception of a ministry adrift, relying on token gestures rather than substantive policy implementation. As a result, plastic use remains widespread, with little evidence of enforcement on the ground — making this yet another project where money has been wasted without measurable impact.

5. Project Launches: UGBAAD and GEED—The Specter of Non-Existent Projects

  • UGBAAD Project: The video’s representation of the UGBAAD project is particularly misleading. The project, a landmark climate finance initiative, was secured in 2024 under the previous administration. Minister Bashir’s involvement was merely attending a ceremonial launch. Claiming this as an achievement is a transparent attempt to take credit for a foundational initiative he inherited.
  • GEED Project: GMI’s exhaustive search for information on the “GEED” project yielded no results. There is no publicly available documentation or official reference to its existence or implementation. The inclusion of this project in the ministry’s video points to a pattern of manufacturing achievements to pad the list, a practice that severely undermines the ministry’s credibility.

6. Participation in International Conferences: Appearances Without Impact

While the ministry’s representation in global forums is highlighted, GMI found no evidence of tangible outcomes or concrete benefits for Somalia. Attending international conferences without securing new climate finance, transferring critical knowledge, or advancing Somalia’s climate resilience agenda amounts to little more than a perfunctory exercise. The lack of demonstrated impact from these high-level engagements suggests a fundamental failure to leverage these opportunities for national benefit.

Conclusion: A Ministry in Crisis

The evidence compiled by the Green Media Initiative paints a stark picture of a ministry in disarray. The MOECC, headed by a minister drawn from the army and supported by deputy and state ministers who themselves display minimal experience and knowledge in environmental science or climate policy, has demonstrably failed to generate any substantial or verifiable progress. The ministry’s public relations campaign relies heavily on misattribution, hyperbole, and the appropriation of its predecessor’s accomplishments.

Moreover, credible sources report that, due to a combination of incompetence and corruption within its leadership, the ministry’s core mandates — particularly climate finance — are now being overseen directly by the Ministry of Finance. This extraordinary intervention, if confirmed, stands as a damning indictment of the MOECC’s leadership and its systemic failures.

This state of affairs is not merely an administrative issue; it represents a significant national security and development risk. In a country uniquely vulnerable to the ravages of climate change, the stewardship of environmental policy requires informed, competent, and honest leadership. The current administration’s demonstrated shortcomings and alleged malfeasance threaten to derail Somalia’s efforts to build resilience, protect its natural resources, and secure a sustainable future. Without a radical shift in leadership and a commitment to genuine accountability, Somalia risks falling further behind in the global climate crisis.

Transparency and Access to Information: Watch the original video of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1APzAgeUao/

  • Watch our Full Fact-check and Investigative Video here:

Published by GMI Editorial Team on October 1,2025

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From Home to Desert: How Climate Change Erased Two Somali Villages

by Admin
written by Admin

The intensifying global climate crisis is hitting Somalia hard—disrupting ecosystems, displacing communities, and threatening both human and animal life. What was once a sustainable way of life in many regions is now vanishing under the weight of environmental collapse.

In central Somalia’s Mudug region, two ancient villages—Kulub and Dhinowda—stand as tragic examples of what climate change can do to the land and its people. Once thriving hubs sustained by pastoralism and the nearby sea, these villages are now being consumed by encroaching sand dunes.

A Disappearing Landscape

Kulub and Dhinowda were places of balance—where families depended on livestock and fishing, children attended local schools, and the community flourished. But over recent years, strong winds and shifting sands have gradually buried homes, trees, and buildings that stood for decades.

What remains today are ghostly outlines of what used to be. Homes lie abandoned, their windows and doors choked with sand. The village primary school, once filled with 125 students, now sees only 25 showing up—most classrooms unusable due to overnight sand accumulation.

Essential Services Lost

The community’s Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Center has been forced to shut down, leaving families without critical healthcare. Without proper evacuation planning or support, most residents fled early—some to nearby towns, others retreating to rural areas in search of pasture.

The next generation faces an uncertain future. Education is out of reach for many, and with families struggling to recover from repeated droughts, youth are increasingly pressured to leave school behind—some to help care for livestock, others looking toward migration as their only option.

A Warning—and a Call to Action

Kulub and Dhinowda are not just villages lost to the sands. They are stark reminders of the human cost of climate change. But they are also a call to action.

We must act now to:

  • Protect and rehabilitate grasslands and forests
  • Promote reforestation and sand dune stabilization
  • Support vulnerable communities with adaptation tools and resources

The future of Somalia’s environment—and its people—depends on urgent climate action. By restoring the land and empowering communities, there is still hope to reclaim what has been lost.

📽 Watch the full video to witness this unfolding crisis and the voices of those affected.

🎥 Video Produced by: Saed Faisal
Multimedia Consultant, USAID Somalia 2024 Award Winner
CEO of Alool / Contributor at Green Media Initiative (GMI)

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Climate Crisis in Somalia: A Call for Action

by Ahmed Absie
written by Ahmed Absie

Climate change is having a profound effect on Somalia, with severe implications for the people, economy, and environment. Frequent droughts, unpredictable floods, and rising temperatures are contributing to food insecurity, displacement, and loss of livelihoods. The agricultural sector, which is a critical source of sustenance and income for the Somali population, is facing increased pressure due to these climate shocks.

Amin Jamal, a researcher,  sheds light in this video how climate change is reshaping life in Somalia,. He highlights the recurring droughts, intensified flooding, and other extreme weather events that are crippling the agricultural output, infrastructure, and the general well-being of the Somali people. His insights emphasize the urgency for sustainable solutions and greater awareness among communities to mitigate these challenges. 

Watch the  video to learn more about the impact of climate change on Somalia and the essential steps needed to build community resilience.

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Isbeddelka Cimilada: Dhibaato Wayn baa ina haysata!

by Admin
written by Admin

Isbadalka cimiladu waxa uu si weyn u saameeyay Soomaaliya, taas oo cawaaqib xumo weyn ku leh dadka, dhaqaalaha, iyo deegaanka. Abaaraha soo noqnoqda, fatahaadaha lama filaanka ah, iyo kororka heerkulka ayaa keenay cunto yari baahsan, barakac, iyo yaraansho ama naaqus ku socda xoolaha Soomaaliya. Waxsoosaarka beeraha, oo awalba yaraa hayeeshee ahaa isha ugu muhiimsan ee nolosha iyo dhaqaalaha dadka Soomaaliyeed ayaa wajahayaa cadaadis xoogan oo ka imaanaya musiibooyinka ka dhalanaya isbadaladaan cimilada.

Amin Jamal oo ah cilmi-baare, ayaa muuqaalkan waxa uu sharaxaad ka bixinayaa sida isbadalka cimiladu u bedelayo muuqaalka nolosha Soomaaliya, isaga oo dhawr dhinac ka istaagaya baaxadda saamaynta xaaladdani yeelatay .  Fahamkiisa waxa uu muujinayaa baahida loo qabo xalal waara iyo kor u qaadista wacyiga bulshada si looga hortago caqabadahaas. 

Daawo muuqaalka hoose si aad wax badan uga ogaato saameynta isbadalka cimilada ee Soomaaliya iyo tallaabooyinka muhiimka ah ee lagu dhisi karo adkeysiga bulshada.

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The Environmental Journalist Who Saved 200 Lives

by Admin
written by Admin 1 mins read

In late 2023, when the devastating El Niño rains hit Somalia, many communities were caught off guard by the scale of flooding, especially along the Jubba River. Among those on the frontlines capturing the unfolding disaster was Anas, an environmental journalist with a passion for using his skills to highlight the impact of climate change on vulnerable communities.

Anas and his team traveled from Kismayo to the Qaamqaam area, roughly 22 kilometers north, to document the damage caused by the floods. Armed with his drone, he aimed to capture the reality on the ground and alert people to the dangers of the rising waters. While filming the flood’s effects, Anas stumbled upon something far more alarming—200 civilians trapped in the middle of floodwaters, stranded for two days without anyone knowing.

Realizing the urgency, Anas used his drone to document the situation and immediately shared the footage on social media. The images quickly went viral, prompting an outpouring of concern and attention. Thanks to his coverage, the Jubaland administration and various agencies mobilized a rescue mission, sending two fast boats from Kismayo. After an eight-hour operation, nearly 200 men, women, and children were saved.

Anas’ environmental reporting not only captured the impact of the floods but also directly led to saving lives. His story is a powerful reminder of the role that journalism can play in times of crisis, especially in raising awareness of environmental disasters and mobilizing action.

Watch the full story unfold in this video:

Green Media Initiative -GMI Interviewed Anas
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Mogadishu’s Beach Cleaning Campaign: A story of environmental activists

by Admin
written by Admin 2 mins read

On any given Friday morning, as the sun rises over Mogadishu’s iconic Liido Beach, a group of passionate youth can be found clearing the shore of the debris and waste that accumulates throughout the week. These volunteers, led by Abdisatar Arabow, have devoted themselves to restoring and maintaining the beauty of Liido Beach for the last three years—without missing a single Friday.

What started as a one-day activity has grown into a movement that symbolizes hope, environmental activism, and the power of community-led efforts to protect Somalia’s natural treasures. Green Media Initiative sat down with Abdisatar to learn more about the story behind this remarkable campaign.

Abdisatar Arabow, Beach Cleaning Campaign Director

“It All Began with a Facebook Post…”

When asked how this campaign began, Abdisatar reminisces, “We initiated this campaign three years ago. It started with a short post shared on social media, requesting youth engagement in beach cleaning and community volunteerism. Initially, the team was composed of just six members, and today, as you can see, our numbers have grown.”

Abdisatar explains that the idea for the campaign was sparked by the increasing environmental damage he and his team witnessed—particularly the proliferation of plastic waste along the coastline. “We decided to clean our beach instead of leaving these solid wastes—especially plastics—scattered along the coast. The beach is a point of beauty and attraction, and we felt we needed to protect it,” he says.

That determination, combined with a deep love for Mogadishu’s natural environment, led to the formation of a campaign that would soon span 147 consecutive weeks of action.

Through rain, security challenges, and even national exams, the volunteers never missed a single Friday. “Thank God, we didn’t skip a week,” says Abdisatar proudly. “Even if the roads are closed, or if it’s raining, or if there’s a nationwide examination, we maintained the campaign through all these conditions. Even during public holidays or the holy month of Ramadan, we showed up.”

The dedication of these volunteers is driven by their love for the environment and their commitment to the campaign’s slogan, “Environment is our life.” As Abdisatar explains, this simple yet powerful mantra energizes the team each week, giving them the strength to return every Friday morning to clean the beach.

Achievements That Go Beyond Cleaning

Reflecting on the campaign’s impact, Abdisatar highlights several major successes. “One of the greatest achievements we’ve had in the past 147 weeks was preventing the dumping of waste into the beach. We also conducted research on the impact of plastic on the coastal environment,” he notes.

Their work hasn’t gone unnoticed beyond Somalia’s borders either. The team was recognized in a regional championship on voluntarism organized by 22 Arab states in Lebanon, where they took first place. “We are happy with these accomplishments,” Abdisatar says, “especially since we’ve done it all without external funding. We contribute our own resources and energy to sustain the campaign.”

Challenges Persist, But So Does the Mission

Despite their achievements, the campaign is not without its challenges. “Initially, the key challenges were the road closures due to security reasons, but that’s less of a problem now,” Abdisatar explains. However, limited community awareness remains a significant issue. “Some people might even think you’re mad if they see you cleaning the beach,” he laughs. “Waste has been dumped here for hundreds of years—it’s not something we can clean up overnight.”

Another recurring challenge is the continued disposal of plastic materials on the beach, particularly during the night. “It’s an endless cycle,” Abdisatar admits. But the team’s resilience is unshakable, and they are determined to keep fighting the good fight.

A Local Effort with Global Ties

Beach cleaning isn’t just a local initiative, as Abdisatar points out. “It’s a global campaign. Around the world, beach cleaning is a routine activity meant to reduce solid waste in coastal environments. This waste threatens ocean biodiversity and the ecosystem as a whole.”

The importance of beach cleaning efforts goes far beyond simply beautifying coastal areas. Every piece of waste removed from the beach represents one less danger to marine life and coastal ecosystems. Plastics and other debris can be devastating for ocean biodiversity—entangling marine animals, being ingested by fish and seabirds, and even breaking down into harmful microplastics that infiltrate the food chain. Globally, coastal and oceanic ecosystems are already facing tremendous pressure from climate change, pollution, and overfishing, and every action taken to reduce these impacts can have ripple effects for the health of the planet.

By taking action locally in Mogadishu, Abdisatar and his team are part of a much larger global movement. Countries around the world—both developed and developing—are grappling with the same issues of marine pollution. From the shores of the Pacific Ocean to the beaches of the Mediterranean, coastal clean-up campaigns are vital in addressing this widespread problem. 

For the volunteers of Liido Beach, their work ties directly into this global mission. They are contributing to the worldwide push to protect coastal areas, oceans, and the wildlife that depends on them. But even more importantly, their efforts are an inspiring example of how local, grassroots initiatives can play a crucial role in addressing global environmental issues. 

A Final Message to the Community

As the interview concludes, Abdisatar has a message for the people of Mogadishu and beyond: “If you can’t clean the beach, please don’t throw or dump waste into it. Mind your own waste—that’s the least thing you can do for your environment and your country. Let’s protect our environment. It’s our responsibility to preserve it.”

With each passing week, the volunteers of Mogadishu’s beach cleaning campaign demonstrate the power of collective action and the lasting impact of caring for one’s environment. Their efforts stand as a beacon of hope, reminding us all that change starts with small, consistent steps and a shared commitment to a healthier, more sustainable future.

Experience the story in action by visiting our YouTube and Facebook pages to watch the video of Mogadishu’s beach cleaning campaign and see the remarkable dedication of these volunteers. Click the links below.

Watch the Story on YouTube:

Also you can watch the Story on our Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gmisom/videos/1176197970197160/

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