By Goth Mohamed Goth
Hargeisa, Somaliland – The Vice President of the Republic of Somaliland, Mr. Mohamed Ali Aw Adbi, who also chairs the National Drought Relief Committee, alongside committee members, held a vital meeting with representatives of various independent media outlets operating in Somaliland.
The meeting aimed to foster nationwide coordination and a unified approach to drought relief and humanitarian assistance for the severe drought affecting large segments of Somaliland’s population.
A key objective was for the National Drought Relief Committee and the Independent Media (including both traditional and modern outlets) to discuss the media’s crucial role in supporting the rescue of communities devastated by the drought.
Addressing the meeting, the Vice President and committee members emphasized that the media must take a leading role as they serve as the “eyes and voice” of the Somaliland people, capable of amplifying the distress and urgent needs caused by the drought to a wide audience.
The Drought Relief Committee informed the media that mitigating the drought disaster is a shared religious and humanitarian responsibility ncumbent upon every Somalilander, particularly the media and journalists.
Committee members stressed to the media delegation that the nation is experiencing an unprecedented period of suffering marked by thirst, hunger, disease, and displacement. They highlighted that this is the moment for the media to utilize the “gift of speech” granted by Allah to raise public awareness, inspire mutual aid, solidarity, donations, and support for affected citizens.
In response, prominent representatives from the Independent Media and the Somaliland Journalists Association (SOLJA) affirmed their readiness to actively participate and shoulder their responsibility in the drought relief efforts.
During the meeting, Independent Media representatives assured the Committee of their commitment to:
1. Vigorously participate in public awareness campaigns.
2. Disseminate urgent information regarding humanitarian needs in drought-affected areas.
3. Actively encourage relief donations for impacted communities.
They further requested the National Committee to share essential information and relief plans to enable accurate and fact-based reporting.
Vice President’s Closing Appeal
Concluding the meeting, Vice President Mohamed Ali Aw Adbi, Chairman of the National Drought Relief Committee, called upon the Independent Media to:
1. Intensify efforts in communicating government messages and the appeals of drought-affected communities.
2. Actively encourage donations for those in need.
3. Ensure their reporting delivers messages that “touch the hearts and consciences” of the Somaliland people.
4. Ensure their coverage serves as “bridges connecting those in need with potential donors.”