New Radio Hargeisa mobile service allows listeners across Somaliland to access state radio programming through telecom networks as officials push digital transformation in public broadcasting.
HARGEISA, Somaliland (Horn post) Somaliland officials on Saturday launched a new mobile listening service for Radio Hargeisa, marking a major step in the government’s efforts to modernize state media and expand access to public broadcasting across the Republic of Somaliland.
The launch ceremony, held in Hargeisa, was attended by Vice President Republic of Somaliland Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi, senior government officials, lawmakers and representatives from the telecommunications sector.
The new service will allow people across Somaliland to listen to Radio Hargeisa’s news bulletins, public affairs programs and other broadcasts directly through their mobile phones, regardless of their location.
Also attending the event was Speaker of the House of Representatives Republic of Somaliland Yasin Haji Mahmoud Hiir (Faraton), cabinet ministers, regional officials and other invited guests.
Somaliland Minister of Information, Culture and Awareness Republic of Somaliland Barkhad Jama Batuun said the new platform represents a key milestone in expanding access to public information, while thanking the vice president and parliamentary leadership for attending the launch
“Our policy is to transform state media into a platform people come to for knowledge, not a place used to respond to individuals,” Batun said.
Batun, who also serves as government spokesperson, said the ministry is committed to reshaping public broadcasting around education, public awareness and national development.
Speaker Faraton welcomed the initiative and praised the minister for what he described as important reforms within the ministry.
“I congratulate Radio Hargeisa and all of its staff on this progress,” Faraton said.
Vice President Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi also praised the Ministry of Information for embracing digital transformation, saying the new mobile service would strengthen national media and improve public access to accurate and reliable information.
He added that technology plays a vital role in connecting communities and improving national broadcasting services.
Speaking about socially beneficial programming, the vice president urged the station to expand its public awareness content.
“I propose that the radio add programs that educate the people of Somaliland about clanism and drug abuse,” he said.
Other speakers at the event included cabinet members, officials from the Maroodi Jeex regional administration and representatives from telecom companies Telesom and Somtel, whose mobile networks will carry the new service.
Minister of Labor, Social Affairs and Family Republic of Somaliland Milgo Mohamed Sanbalolshe shared her personal appreciation for the broadcaster.
“My favorite program on Radio Hargeisa is the religious questions program,” she said.
Maroodi Jeex Governor Ahmed Mohamed Adad reflected on the station’s long history, recalling remarks made by former Somaliland President Muhammad Haji Ibrahim Egal.
“I remember President Egal saying, ‘The day will come when a woman in the countryside will listen to the radio while riding on her camel.’ I was among the academics whose voices were recorded by Radio Hargeisa in 1981, and we thank the minister for this effort,” Adad said.
A representative speaking on behalf of Somtel said:
“We are pleased to be part of the progress that is bringing the radio closer to the community.”
A representative from Telesom added:
“This service significantly expands the areas the radio can reach.”
The launch is being seen as one of the first major media development initiatives undertaken by Minister Barkhad Jama Batuun since assuming leadership of Somaliland’s Ministry of Information, as the government seeks to strengthen public communication through digital technology.
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Prepared by:
Horn post staff
News Desk
