Hargeisa, Somaliland – The Somaliland Journalists Association today officially handed over comprehensive Media House Governance Policies to three media institutions as part of the second phase of a broader initiative targeting six media houses. Under this phase, a total of 12 management and governance policies have been developed for the six selected media houses. This follows the first phase implemented in 2025, during which similar policies were handed over to three other media institutions to guide their administration and operations.

This initiative forms part of SOLJA’s continued efforts, grounded in principles of media development and professionalization in Somaliland.

Needs Assessment and Policy Development

As part of the project, SOLJA conducted a comprehensive assessment of the governance and management needs of selected media houses. Based on the findings, tailored management policies were developed to respond to the specific operational conditions and institutional needs of each outlet.

Official Handover Ceremony

To formalize and commemorate the handover of these policies, an official ceremony was held, attended by senior SOLJA officials, distinguished guests, and representatives of the beneficiary media institutions.

The event was attended by the Minister of Information of Somaliland, SOLJA leadership, and members of the media fraternity.

Opening the event, Shafici Mohamed Ibrahim, Chairperson of Somaliland Journalists Association, highlighted the importance of media institutions having clear and transparent policies to guide their daily operations and management.

Ismail Ahmed Ismail, Director of Somaliland Journalists Association, outlined the various stages involved in developing the governance and management policies—from needs assessment and policy formulation to future implementation strategies. He noted that the policies will strengthen institutional transparency, accountability, and internal governance within the media houses.

The Somaliland Minister of Information, Barkhad Jama Batuun, welcomed SOLJA’s efforts and commended the initiative as an important contribution to the development of the country’s media sector.

Also present at the event were senior SOLJA officials including Muna Ibrahim, Secretary of SOLJA, Badri Kosaar, and Abdirashid Abdi Wahaab, who witnessed the ceremony.

Remarks from Beneficiary Media Houses

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiary institutions, Ahmed Abdirahman Hirsi (Heelo), owner of SAHAN TV, expressed appreciation for the support and stated that the media house is committed to implementing the policies, noting that they will play a critical role in strengthening the smooth functioning and governance of the television station.

Formal Handover of Policies

At the conclusion of the event, the management policies were officially handed over to three media houses:

• • • SAHAN TV
    • Bulsho TV
    • Sky Cable TV

These three media houses represent the second cohort following the first phase completed last year.

Each media house received two core institutional policies:

• • 1. Financial Management Policy
    2. Human Resource Management Policy

Outcome

The handover marks a significant step toward promoting independent, transparent, and well-governed media institutions in Somaliland. The initiative contributes to strengthening institutional systems within media houses and advancing broader efforts aimed at improving professionalism and sustainability in the media sector.