Chairman of Somaliland’s ruling Waddani Party, Hon. Hirsi Ali Haji Hassan, has issued a strong warning over the spread of unverified information on social media, calling on government officials and the public to establish the facts before believing, acting on or sharing reports circulating online.
Speaking at the launch of the KOON audiovisual media platform, Hirsi stressed that the rapid spread of information through social media comes with a responsibility to distinguish fact from falsehood.
“I tell officials and the public alike: let us verify the facts.”
The Waddani chairman said information that harms the government can ultimately have wider consequences for society, urging government officials in particular to exercise caution and verify information before responding to claims circulating on social platforms.
Hirsi also underscored the vital role of the media in society, describing journalism as an important force for guiding, educating and informing the public.
He warned, however, that the influence of the media can be used either constructively or destructively, depending on how it is exercised.
“If the media guides society with false information, society will be destroyed,” he said.
The ruling party chairman further cautioned against an increasingly widespread tendency to pursue social media views and engagement at the expense of journalistic standards and social values.
He argued that using social media primarily to generate views could negatively affect the values of society and influence public thinking, particularly when unverified claims are presented as established facts.
Hirsi therefore urged journalists, officials and ordinary citizens to exercise greater responsibility when consuming and sharing information, emphasizing the importance of verification in protecting public trust and social cohesion.
His remarks come as Somaliland’s media landscape continues to evolve, with digital platforms and social media becoming increasingly influential in shaping public debate and determining how citizens receive news and information.
The chairman’s message at the launch of KOON placed renewed emphasis on the responsibility of media organizations and consumers alike to ensure that the growing power of digital communication is used to inform rather than mislead, educate rather than confuse, and strengthen rather than undermine society.