Twenty journalists from Hiiraan region in Somalia yesterday concluded a training workshop designed to improve their reporting skills and understanding of this year’s electoral process.

The two-day workshop was supported by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) and was held in Beletweyne on 5 and 6 September.

During the workshop facilitated by the veteran Somali journalist Yusuf Hassan, participants were briefed about the electoral timetable, the importance of empowering women in politics, responsible reporting and the role of the journalist in informing and educating the public.

Beletweyne Deputy District Commissioner Muse Dahir officially opened the workshop. He advised the journalists to report on the electoral process in a fair and balanced way.

Ali Dahir Herow, the Director of the Ministry of Information in Hiiraan region, said the training would contribute to ongoing efforts to improve journalistic standards in Hiiraan.

“This workshop will greatly help the quality of journalism in Hiiraan region. I thank UNSOM and others who have supported this training,” said Mr. Dahir.

Khalid Mohamud Osman, a journalist from Somali News TV, expressed satisfaction with the contents of the course.

“This training has empowered me as a Somali journalist. We have learnt a lot about elections coverage. It is an eye opener since I have not covered elections before,” Khalid said.

UNSOM Public Information Officer Mohamed Elmi urged the journalists to use the skills acquired during the workshop in their reporting on this year’s electoral process.