Overcoming & Preventing the Spread of Fake News “Strategies for Transparency and Accountability”

The Federal Government of Somalia has long been plagued by a lack of effective communication strategies.

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Federal Government of Somalia has long been plagued by a lack of effective communication strategies. This has hindered the government's ability to effectively communicate with the Somali people and the international community, resulting in a lack of trust and transparency. The government's failure to consistently communicate its policies, decisions, and actions has also led to confusion and misinformation among the public, which has further eroded trust in the government. Additionally, the lack of communication strategies has made it difficult for the government to effectively engage with stakeholders, including civil society organizations and the media, which has hindered progress towards achieving the government's goals. Overall, the Federal Government of Somalia must prioritize the development and implementation of effective communication strategies in order to improve transparency, build trust, and achieve its objectives.
 
In addition to the lack of effective communication strategies, there have also been reports of officials in the Federal Government of Somalia paying bribe money to individuals for the purpose of spreading propaganda on social media platforms. This unethical practice undermines the government's efforts to build trust and transparency with the public, and further erodes the credibility of the government. Moreover, it highlights the need for the government to prioritize the development and implementation of ethical communication strategies that prioritize transparency and accountability. Without such strategies, the government's reputation will continue to suffer, hindering its ability to effectively govern and make progress towards achieving its goals.
 
To overcome the lack of effective communication strategies and the unethical practice of paying for social media propaganda, the Federal Government of Somalia can take several steps to improve its strategic communication.
 
1. The government can invest in training and capacity building for its communication staff and officials, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to develop and implement effective communication strategies that prioritize transparency and accountability.
 
2. Establish clear communication channels and protocols to ensure that information is disseminated in a timely and coordinated manner, and that stakeholders are engaged in the decision-making process.
 
3. Prioritize the use of digital and social media platforms to engage with the public and share information about its policies and actions. However, it is important that the government ensures the authenticity of its social media accounts and avoids any unethical practices such as paying for propaganda.
 
4. Build trust with the public by establishing mechanisms for feedback and accountability, and by demonstrating its commitment to addressing the concerns and needs of the Somali people.
 
Prioritizing transparency, accountability, and ethical communication practices, the Federal Government of Somalia can improve its reputation and build trust with the public, which will be critical for achieving its goals and ensuring the long-term stability and prosperity of Somalia.
 
How to counter FAKE NEWS & Misinformation?
 
To prevent the spread of fake news and misinformation, the Federal Government of Somalia can take several steps as part of its overall communication strategy.
 
Deep fake news is a growing concern in the realm of social media, as the technology used to create these deceptive videos and images becomes more advanced. With deep fake news, it is possible to create realistic-looking content that appears to be genuine, but is actually completely fabricated. This can lead to serious consequences, including the spread of false information, the manipulation of public opinion, and even the incitement of violence. Deep fake news can be used to damage the reputation of individuals or organizations, potentially causing irreparable harm. As social media platforms continue to play an increasingly important role in shaping public discourse, it is crucial that we remain vigilant in detecting and combating the spread of deep fake news.
 
By taking below steps, the Federal Government of Somalia can help prevent the spread of fake news and misinformation, and promote transparency and accountability in its communication practices.
 
1. Establish a dedicated team responsible for monitoring and verifying information shared on social media and other digital platforms. This team can work to quickly identify and counter false information before it spreads widely.
 
2. Invest in public education campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of fake news and misinformation, and to promote critical thinking skills among the Somali people.
 
3. Work with civil society organizations, media outlets, and other stakeholders to promote fact-checking and responsible journalism practices.
 
4. Establish clear guidelines and protocols for sharing information, and ensure that all official statements are verified and fact-checked before they are disseminated.
 
5. Parliament must pass a law for the Protection from Online Misinformation and Manipulation Act, which will give  the government the power to order the removal of fake news and to impose fines or prison sentences on individuals who spread such content.
 
6. The Prime Minister must appoint competent and credible leaders for the Ministry of Information. These leaders should possess a mindset focused on creating communication strategies that are grounded in legal principles and aimed at advancing the goals of the Federal Government.

 Ismail D. Osman: Former Deputy Director of Somalia National Intelligence & Security Agency (NISA) – Writes in Somalia, Horn of Africa Security and Geopolitical focusing on governance and security. You can reach him osmando@gmail.com @osmando