Mogadishu, Somalia – Taking a major step towards promoting transparency and accountability within government operations, Deputy Auditor General Mr. Abdijamal Isma’il concluded a comprehensive workshop in Mogadishu aimed at training journalists on understanding and reporting audit findings.
The workshop, which gathered journalists from various local media outlets, focused on equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to accurately interpret and convey the findings of the Office of the Auditor General. This initiative underscores the importance of precise and informed reporting in fostering a culture of transparency and accountability within Somalia’s government.
“The primary objective of this workshop was to provide a general understanding of audit reports and to enhance the essential skills required by journalists when reporting on these findings,” stated Mr. Isma’il during the closing remarks. “Our goal is to ensure that journalists can accurately and effectively communicate audit results to the Somali public and other stakeholders.”
Throughout the workshop, participants received in-depth training on auditing procedures, terminology, and best practices for reporting financial management issues within the government. This training is crucial for journalists to report on complex audit findings accurately and responsibly, thereby supporting public accountability and informed discourse.
Mr. Isma’il emphasized the special importance his office places on improving collaboration with the media. “Strengthening the relationship between the Auditor General’s office and the media is vital for enhancing accountability, transparency, and the state-building process in Somalia,” he noted.
The workshop also highlighted the critical role of media in promoting government accountability. By providing journalists with the tools and knowledge to report accurately, the workshop aims to foster a more transparent and accountable government.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Isma’il expressed his gratitude to the participants and the office directors who facilitated the successful conduct of the workshop. “I extend my heartfelt thanks to all the journalists who participated and to our dedicated team who made this event possible,” he said.
This initiative marks a positive step towards improving media-government relations in Somalia and ensuring that the public is well-informed about government operations and audit findings. The efforts of the Office of the Auditor General in training journalists underscore a commitment to transparency and accountability, which are fundamental to good governance.