Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has appointed Abdinaasir Ahmed Bashir, popularly known as Saxansoxo, as the new Director of Communications and Spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister.
The appointment, announced on Monday, marks the inclusion of one of Somalia’s most experienced media professionals into the Prime Minister’s communications team.
Bringing over a decade of experience in digital, broadcast, and social media journalism, Saxansoxo has distinguished himself as a respected Senior Journalist at the BBC Somali Service in Nairobi, contributing to the outlet’s core editorial team responsible for daily news management and strategic editorial direction.
At the BBC, he has led teams of online and social media journalists, ensuring that all content adheres to the organization’s editorial principles of accuracy, balance, and impartiality. He is also credited with producing several analytical reports and digital features that have attracted large audiences among Somali-speaking communities around the world.
Before joining the BBC, Saxansoxo worked as an Online Editor for Goobjoog Media, Universal TV, and Som News TV. He also made a notable impact as the founding director of Jubaland TV and Radio Kismayo, where he managed more than 90 staff members and helped establish one of southern Somalia’s leading media outlets.
Known for his strategic communication skills and extensive network across the Horn of Africa, Saxansoxo has earned a reputation as a respected media professional who combines leadership, editorial judgment, and digital innovation.
In his new role, he is expected to lead the Prime Minister’s communications strategy, oversee media relations, and enhance public outreach from the Office of the Prime Minister.
Saxansoxo holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication from the University of South Africa (UNISA) and a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the United States International University–Africa (USIU-A) in Nairobi, Kenya.
He has also undertaken several professional journalism trainings, including at the Institute for the Advancement of Journalism (IAJ) in Johannesburg, the University of the Witwatersrand (WITS) in South Africa, and the BBC’s Broadcast Journalist Training Programme.