Islamist insurgents pose with their weapons for the media in Somalia's capital Mogadishu, January 16, 2009. A Somali minister says that the media in Somalia is going through its most difficult period, following threats from insurgent groups. Photo/Reuters
The minister for Information of the Transitional Federal Government, Dahir Mohamud Ghelle, stated that the media in Somalia is going through its most difficult period.
Speaking at press conference in Mogadishu on Wednesday, Mr Ghelle said some groups in the country are bent on suppressing freedom of expression.
The minister said many journalists had been killed in the last few years while others received unacceptable threats. He added that some groups have been dictating the independent media what to cover.
Minister Ghelle cited the order from Hizbul Islam, one of the Islamist movements opposing the TFG, ordering radio in Somalia to stop broadcasting music and melodies from April 14 as an affront against the media. He said the order was unacceptable.
The minister also found irrational Hizbul Islam’s instructions to the independent media to stop calling international Jihadists (holy warriors), coming to Somalia to join the local Jihad, as foreigners.
“A foreigner is an alien, for whatever reason he or she may be here,” remarked the minister. He offered the independent media his government’s sympathy. He asked the managers and staff of the broadcasters to tolerate, despite the odd circumstances.
“You can count on the support of the government in this difficult period,” said Minister Ghelle. “It is unfortunate that the ongoing abuse against press freedom did not even exist during the dictatorial rule of the 1970s and 1980s.”
In 2009, nine journalists were killed in Somalia, one of the highest causalities in the world.
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