The Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, H.E. Daud Aweis Jama, has officially appointed Abdishakur Ali Ahmed as the new Director of the Communication Strategy Department, a key office responsible for coordinating government communications across federal institutions and managing media relations.
The appointment, formalized on 16th May 2024, marks a significant step in enhancing the Federal Government’s approach to strategic communication, digital engagement, and public transparency. Abdishakur will also serve as the Coordinator of the Government Communication and Media Committee, which brings together government spokespersons and directors of communication from all federal ministries and agencies.
Abdishakur Biography:
Abdishakur Ali Ahmed is a highly respected figure in Somali media and governance circles, with over 15 years of experience in journalism, public communication, and strategic media leadership.
He most recently served as Director of the New Media Department and Coordinator of Government Communication within the Ministry of Information, a position he held since December 2021. In that role, he was responsible for managing the government’s digital platforms and social media strategy, aligning public messaging across all state institutions.
Previously, in November 2020, Abdishakur was appointed Deputy Director of Somali National Television (SNTV), following his successful tenure as Chief Editor of both Radio Mogadishu and SNTV from 2019 to 2020.
His journalism career began with roles at Horseed Media, Simba Radio, Risala Radio, and later expanded to editorial and production leadership at Mustaqbal Radio, Radio Mogadishu, and SNTV.
Abdishakur holds advanced degrees from Somali National University, including a Master of Public Law, a Postgraduate Diploma in Political Science, and a High Diploma in Law. He also holds a Bachelor’s in Law from Hamar University and a Bachelor’s in Public Administration from the University of Somalia.
Fluent in Somali, with excellent proficiency in English and working knowledge of Arabic, Abdishakur has represented Somalia in several high-level international media seminars, including the African Media Training in Istanbul (2019) and the COMESA Workshop in Burundi (2023).
His appointment comes at a time when Somalia is accelerating its digital transformation and placing a renewed focus on unified, accurate, and strategic communication from the federal government.