Hayaan Media

Somali journalists win coveted CNN African Journalism award

abdiweli — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 14:03:09 +0000

Star FM’s radio broadcaster Kassim Mohammed and AFP’s (Agence France-Presse ) Mogadishu’s correspondent, Mustafa Haji Abdinur were among the 15 recipients of one of the most prestigious awards in the African media and broadcasting industry; the CNN Multichoice African Journalism Award. The stiff competition included more than 2000 entries from 1000 journalists in 40 African countries.

“I want to thank the stations managers for their dedication in establishing a radio station that caters to the entire Somali community” said Star FM’s Kassim Mohamed during his acceptance speech for this year’s Radio General News Award. “I am so delighted that our hard work is being recognized by CNN and Multichoice. It’s just the beginning and Star FM is determined to tell the African story.” Mr. Mohammed’s radio interview with the wife of a Somali pirate entitled “I’m Married to a Pirate” won him the award.

Managing Director Mohamed Hassan Osman said that Star FM is always nurturing talents and is on the look-out for young and outstanding journalists. Speaking to Hiiraan Online he said “We are very happy with all our employees who come to work early and leave late as they understand journalism is all about sacrifice. We are the only FM radio station in Kenya that has ever won the CNN Multichoice award.”

Star FM radio has been on the air for just under five years and can be heard from Nairobi, Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Gedo region, Tana River as well as the largest refugee camp in the world, Dadaab. Star FM is also in the process of furthering its reach so it can be heard from Mogadishu, Hargeisa, Bosaso, Moyale, and the Kakuma Refugee Camp.

Mustafa Haji Abdinur, winner of the free press category, has been based in Mogadishu since 2006 and witnessed some of the worst fighting the city has seen in its two decades firsthand. During his speech he highlighted the current grim situation in Mogadishu. “Friends, I live in a country whose name has unfortunately become a synonym for lawlessness, where human life is not worth a lot and where press freedom simply does not exist,” said Abdinur.

He won the award for his “Peace Journalism” initiative that he launched with the help of other Somali journalists. Somalia is one of the most dangerous countries to be a reporter, since October 2007, 13 journalists have been murdered in Somalia including 9 in 2009 alone. For this reason, Abdinur also won the Committee to Protect Journalists’ (CPJ) International Press Freedom Awards in November 2009.

He shares this award with nine deceased reporters who died covering the savage conflict in Somalia: Abdulkhafar Abdulkadir Hassan, freelance; Mohamed Amin Adan Abdulle, Radio Shabelle; Hassan Zubeyr Haji Hassan, Al-Arabiya; Mohamud Mohamed Yusuf, Radio IQK; Mukhtar Mohamed Hirabe, Radio Shabelle; Nur Muse Hussein, Radio IQK; Abdirizak Mohamed Warsame, Radio Shabelle; Said Tahlil Ahmed, HornAfrik; Hassan Mayow Hassan, Radio Shabelle.

The award ceremony that was attended by journalists, editors, and consultants from Africa as well as beyond was hosted by CNN Anchor Isha Sesay and emcee Ronnie Mich Egwang.

Meanwhile, President of the Republic of Uganda, General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni who presided over the event said that African media houses are still locked in the mindset of anti-colonial activists of the early 1950s, where the colonial state was regarded as ‘them’ and the people were ‘us’”. He called on journalists to add ‘patriotism’ to their usual ‘issues’ of general news, culture and health reporting. He added that critics of the Ugandan draft media bill, -that proposes a licensing system for journalists- were making ‘undue wild accusations’. The Ugandan government merely wants to administer and manage press freedom, he said, not restrict it. Nevertheless, speaking off the cuff, he also said that journalists should not ‘cross the line’ and that they should leave ‘politics to the politicians’.

Puntland forces briefly detain and beat journalists in Bossaso

abdiweli — Thu, 27 May 2010 16:57:35 +0000

Puntland security forces have attacked separately journalists covering the aftermath of a recent heavy rains in the town of Bossaso, the regional headquarters of Bari region in the semi-autonomous region of Puntland on Wednesday afternoon.

Members of military-police forces and the Puntland Intelligence Service (PIS) attacked six journalists who were covering a Kat (a stimulant leaf that many Somalis chew) market on Wednesday afternoon, 26 May 2010. The mayor of Bossaso, Mohamoud Farah Beeldaaje said that he will “move the Kat market out of the town” in a media conference at the municipality offices in Bossaso, after stench mud rammed the market, following recent heavy rainfalls. All the journalists were staying in the market when they were attacked.

The journalists Ahmed Mose Ali (Universal TV correspondent), Abdalle Ahmed Moumin (Raxanreeb website reporter), Jama Ahmed Ali (Radio Voice of Peace Reporter) and Ayuub Abdirahman Mohamed (Horseed Media reporter) were briefly detained by the Puntland military police known as “Darawish” at the Central Police Command in Bosaso, according to Ahmed Mose Ali.

“They did not beat us, but we were intimidated with gunpoint, detaining us for at least two hours, although we were later released with the help of some Puntland officials who came to us.” said Ahmed Mose Ali, a correspondent for Universal Television.

Puntland officials including the security minister Gen. Yusuf Ahmed, Sea and Ports Minister Sa’id Mohamed Rageh and the mayor of Bossaso, Mohamoud Farah who visited the journalists at the detention center expressed dismay for what happened and ordered the arrest of the soldiers behind the detention of the journalists, according to Ahmed Mose Ali.

“I am only worried about my colleague Abdulkadir Harun who was seriously tortured by the PIS” Ali added.

Meanwhile Abdulkadir Harun Abdullahi, a cameraman for ETN Television and Osman Saalah Ismail, a correspondent for recently looted Somaliweyn radio based in Mogadishu, were briefly detained by the Puntland Security services (PIS) and seriously beat them. The PIS accused the journalists for taking them secret video footages, a claim which could not be independently verified.

Infuriated by the cameras, the security agents asked the journalists to hand over the cameras and later ordered to follow to the PIS office in Bossaso for questioning. They were held for an hour and half, where they were later seriously beaten.

Abdulkadir Harun suffered physical wounds at the face, kidneys and left leg and was rushed to Bosasso Hospital, where he was admitted for treatment, although he was later transferred to his home in Bosaso, where he is now recovering.

“First, they asked us to hand over the cameras.” said Abdulkadir Harun Abdullahi, ETN television cameraman who suffered wounds from the face, kidneys and left leg said in a telephone interview “The PIS later told us that they needed ourselves. Beat us seriously.” He added

“I and my colleague Osman were thrown back to the market. I was unable to walk and my face is swollen because of the hard hit.” Abdulkadir said during the phone interview, yelling with pain.

The journalists in Somalia face challenges all sorts of violations from different forces vying for the control of the country and regional administrations.

The Insurgent group, Hisbul Islam on Tuesday around 2:00pm arrested in Afgoye town, 30km south of the capital Mogadishu, three broadcast journalists who were working for Mogadishu based radio stations, the latest in a series of violations against the press.

Militias loyal to Hisbul Islam detained Sheekh Adow Amiin, a correspondent for Simba Radio, Ahmed Yusuf Idaajaa, a correspondent for Radio Holy Quran (IQK) and Mohamed Hussein Osman, a correspondent for Radio Xurma during their assigned daily journalistic tasks respectively. The journalists were released on Wednesday.

Last week, The Shabab Insurgent group attacked on Radio Somaliweyn’s premises in Mogadishu’s Boondheere neighborhood on Friday morning 21 May, 2010, around 9:00am and took all the equipment, amid heavy fighting was underway in the neighborhood.

Resource Nusoj.

Hayaan Media Develoment Center is strongly condemming the arrest of three local journalist

abdiweli — Tue, 25 May 2010 23:49:19 +0000

Hayaan Media Develoment Center is strongly condemming the arrest of three local journalist that have being arrested by hisbul Islaam militians in the district afgooye yesterday 25 may 2010 who worked for different news agency in Mogadisho.

The arrest of the three journalist,Sheek Aadow Amiin who worked for Simba Radio Station,Ahmed Yussuf Idaajaa wo worked for IQK Radio Station and Mohamed Huseen Osman who is the representetive of Hurma Radio station in Afgooye.

Hisbul Islaam militians yet have to respond on this mater. These arrests happend during the time the journalist were on duty while reporting on the current news that was going on in Afgooye District.

Hayaan Media Development Center also concerns about the situation of the three journalists detained today by militants loyal to Hisbul Islam for journalistic tasks. HMDC again calls for an immediate release of these journalists so that they can carry one there duties.

Somalia is the most dangerous country for journalists in Africa as more than 21 professional journalists were killed and hundreds more wounded for the last three years.

Hayaan Media Development

Utrecht The Netherlands

Hayaan Media Development Center (HMDC) wants to pass her condolences towards the killing of the journalist Sheek Nuur Mohamed Abkeey

abdiweli — Tue, 25 May 2010 22:12:02 +0000

Hayaan Media Development Center (HMDC) wants to pass her condolences towards the killing of the journalist Sheek Nuur Mohamed Abkeey also know as Magefe .Hayaan media sees this as a direct action towards Magafe .

According to the local news the body of the Sheek Nuur Mohamed Abkeey one of the leading journalist in Somalia was found behind the hotel Dameey in Geedjacecl with his body a numerous bullets wounds in his body.

Head of programmes at Hayaan media Abdiweli Ibraham garyare had the following words to say about Sh. Nuur Mohamed Abkeey ‘’first of all let me start with my condolences to Sh.Nuur Mohamed Abkeey Who i knew personally and have worked with him at Radio and TV centre STN.

The killing of Sheek Nuur Mohamed Abkeey is a big loss to Somali journalism and his death with have a hugh effect on all of us as journalist . Sheek Nuur Mohamed Abkeey who worked at Radio Muqdisho which is a state run Radio Station and many believe that this factor might be one of the reason of his death’’

Sheek Nuur Mohamed Abkeey who worked at radio Muqdisho in the former Somalia government with specifically Sonna (Somalia news agency ) and he also was a one of the leading journalist in the Arabic language sector.

In the past ten years he also worked at a number of different news agencies such as, Hornafrik, STN, Bariga Africa.Before his death he was working at Radio Muqdisho which is under the hands of the current Somalia government .

Hayaan Media Development Center which is leading Organisation that strives towards the protection of journalist has its doubts of how current Somalian journalist can keep on working in Somalia, Abdiweli Garyare had the following words to say about this subject ‘

in the last couple years the killing of journalist in Somalia has become something normal this is because the both the Somalia government and the oppositions parties do not support the fact that an establishment of an independent Somalia journalism

if this killing goes on there will be no more journalist that will report the news in Somalia.

Last but no least Hayaan media once again want to pass her condolences to the family and friends of Sheek Nuur Mohamed Abkeey and that he may rest in peace.

Hayaan Media Development Center

Utrecht The Netherlands

Somali Human Rights Defenders Network appeals to the TFG and its armed opponents

abdiweli — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 23:54:15 +0000

April 13^th 2010.

Somali Human Rights Defenders Networks ( SOHRIDEN) with a constituents of leading civil society organizations that works on human rights , development& relief , health & education, peace, media developments and trade unions that operate over all South and Central Somalia including Puntland, cooperatively voiced today enormous concern about the worsening situation of the country .

Representatives of the Somali Human Rights defenders Network SOHRIDEN talked about the immense importance of freedom of press, freedom opinion & speech, which are fundamental rights of human being that were affirmed in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Participants of SOHRIDEN consultative meeting, deeply debated on the current situation of banning the BBC and VOA, outlawing of music and songs from the local radio stations, and the impact that it could have to the independent work of the media.

“ We are very excited and feel happy to conduct such a meeting with the representatives from all of our member organizations showing our strong position, adding our voices loudly and support that we are seriously concerned upon the oppressions of the media and the worsening challenges that are facing the freedom of expression in Somalia. Said Ahmed Mahamed Ali “ kiimiko” Focal point of East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Network and chairperson of SOHRIDEN. “ Somali Media became victim and no one is standing to defend it locally , regionally and internationally. This is what encourages the culture of impunity and the media in Somali seems that they are waiting more horrendous subjugation worsening day after day if no actions are taken against these appalling orders issued by Hisbul islam and Alshabab who are committing these monstrous crimes against the freedom of expression.” Concluded Ahmed kiimiko

The meeting also deeply discussed upon the current situation of the country, politically and socially, economically and security., the escalating violence and the new calls of invasions, the indiscriminate endless shelling over the densely populated areas like markets and residential areas, the worsening conditions of the IDP camps at Mogadishu environs as the well as the forced evictions of those who are temporarily seeking refuge and protection to areas where the TFG administers, the member organizations of SOHRIDEN are condemning all those who are involved at these atrocities which resulted these total inhuman disaster to our people and country .

SOHRIDEN is condemning the violence that subsequently escalated between the Transitional Federal Government backed by the AMISOM troops and its opponents, the radical islamists, that shows no signs of declining. Thousands of civilians have been killed and thousands have been injured, millions displaced, with human rights abuses committed by all sides.

SOHRIDEN is against all the barbarian actions of indiscriminate shelling on residential areas and markets, the organized killings, continuous displacement, intimidations and objections of international relief organizations to deliver aid to the needy people.

SOHRIDEN calls all the warring sides in Mogadishu , the TFG, Hisbul Islam , Alshabaab to stop these endless fighting unconditionally and start dialogue , and AMISOM should keep on their mandate of peacekeeping forces , not shelling the very few helpless, disabled , poor and long suffering civilians remained in the capital.

SOHRIDEN calls those who are looking to reach a political position on using new armed factions labeled by Islamic symbols, whether radical or moderate and kills the reputation of our religion , misusing its interpretation , tailoring to their needs, to refrain from that actions.

SOHRIDEN calls the international Aid organizations and the international community for emergency humanitarian aid to save the millions of Somali population suffering from acute malnutrition which is above emergency thresholds.
–
Human Rights Reporting Office
Somali Human Rights Defenders Network (SOHRIDEN)
Human Rights House
Talex Street, Hodan District,
Mogadishu, Somalia.
Tel: +2525-9-29027/+252-1-227272
Email: sohriden@gmail.com,
info@sohriden.org

URL: www.sohriden.org

HMDC condemns Al-Shabaab for banning BBC and VOA

abdiweli — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 19:43:53 +0000

Hayaan Media Development Center (HMDC) has today described the ban by the Al-Shabaab militant group on the listening of British Broadcasting Cooperation and Voice of America’s programs in the areas of under their control as in violation against the freedom of press in the region, statement issued on 9 April 2010 said.

“We are very concerned about the order by Al-Shabaab. What we know is that BBC and VOA Somali sections were source information for all the people and this meant to block them from the news,” said Abdiweli Ibrahim Aden ” Garyare” The East Africa Project Coordinator of “HMDC”

Garyare added that this is a beginning to a total cancellation on all independent media broadcasting activities in southern Somalia.

Al-Shabaab – the biggest Islamist radical group in Somalia – which has strong link with Al-Qaeda, issued an statement ordering HornAfrik radio, a local FM station based in Mogadishu, to stop airing the programs of BBC.

The group accused BBC of broadcasting propaganda and abusive words against the Islam and spreading the ideologies of the crusaders. Al-Shabaab said this came after long monitoring on the daily programs by BBC and VOA on the Somalia matters.

Hayaan Media Development Center has joined its voice into the international condemnation on Al-Shabaab’s outlawing action as undesirable to the free world.

Last week, a senior leader of Hizbul Islam, Moalim Hash Mohamed Farah told reporters in Mogadishu that his group is ordering all the media houses in the capital to stop broadcasting any music and songs. The group gave the local radios 10 days to stop airing music.

HMDC is calling for the authorities of Al-Shabaab Islamic group in Mogadishu to back out their order and give full respect to the freedom of expression.

HMDC censures Islamist’s ban on music

abdiweli — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 17:43:13 +0000

Hayaan Media Development Center is expressing its disapproval of the recent order in which the Islamic militant group Hizbul Islam banned the local independent radio stations in Mogadishu from airing all related music programs – this the first verdict of its kind imposed on the media stations since the rise of Islamic radicalism in Somalia.

“We see the music ban by Hizbul Islam as another pressure on the free press in the capital and we as Hayaan media officials are absolutely unhappy with the way the Islamic administrators are dealing with the media,” said Abdiweli Ibrahim Aden ” Garyare” The East Africa Project Coordinator of “HMDC”

On Saturday, a senior leader of Hizbul Islam, Moalim Hash Mohamed Farah told reporters in Mogadishu that his group is ordering all the media houses in the capital to stop broadcasting any music and songs. “We are giving them 10 days to stop airing music. If any radio fails to obey the Islamic order it will face bad consequence,” he added.

The ban will have an impact on effecting around six media stations based in the areas controlled by the Islamists in the capital as earlier oppressive rulings by Al-Shabaab group forced many professional journalists to flee the country into abroad.

HMDC is underlining that the freedom of press in Somalia continue to go through broader challenges from the warring sides battling for the country’s power. Journalism is the most difficult task in the conflict zones with the price of life.

Somalia’s Independent Media is facing power abuse From the Insurgents and the TFG

abdiweli — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 15:39:23 +0000

Somali Human Rights defenders Network (SOHRIDEN) is seriously concerned about the escalating crisis and violations towards the freedom of expression in Somalia, said in Press Release issued on 04.04.2010

Hizbul Islam have imposed on all radio stations operating in Mogadishu not to play music and songs , especially to those under their controlling area, As Moalim Hashi declared in his press conference of 3 April 2010 in Mogadishu. “You have only 10 days to prepare for new programs to substitute those evil voices you accustomed. Moalim Hashi who is the governor of Benadir for Hizbul Islma finally ordered all the radio station in Mogadishu to not call the “foreigners” those fighting beside them but to call our brothers MUHAJIRIN instead. He made his local for more MUJAHIDIIN foreign troops to come .

SOHRIDEN believes that this is a violation towards all the public on their rights of having access to information and entertainment which is one of their basic rights stipulated in the UDHR and the independent radio stations play music based on what is popular at the time for the most part. Said Ahmed Mahamed Ali “kiimiko” . Focal point for East and Horn of Africa human Rights Defenders Network and Chair person of Somali Human Rights Defenders Network ( SOHRIDEN)” we call them to respect the press freedom and radio stations to exercise freely their duties , profession and the peoples rights to get unbiased information and entertainment” Concluded Ahmed Kiimiko

We also denounce the abusing power of AMISOM on the VOICE OF PEACE, local radio operating in Mogadishu on its frequency 98.0. As their administration contacted SOHRIDEN office in Mogadishu, they showed us the authorization letter of their frequency, signed by the deputy Ministry of information on 29.01.2006.( Please see the attachment) as well as their complaining letter to Benadir Regional Court which was not responded and neglected. They also contacted with AMISOM in their head quarter and no one cared their complaint.

“Upon installation of a radio communication system, the licensee shall ensure that the system is inspected and certified by the Authorizing body, as installed in accordance with conditions as specified. The TFG accepted the application of those founders and granted the license and assigned the frequency 98.0 to the local radio (VOICE OF PEACE) when it was satisfied that such assignment will not cause harmful interference to any station and in compliance with all the basic requirements” said the legal Advisor of SOHRIDEN, Zakarie Mahamed Shiikh Yusuf. “ To promote freedom of expression by reserving sufficient frequencies for a diverse range of radio and TV broadcasters at the local and national level, as well as frequencies for new media which facilitate the free exchange of ideas and information is one of the basic rights for media development and its regulations.”

“Regarding these regulations as stipulated in the laws of Somali and the transitional Federal Charter, that defines the promotion of freedom of expression as a key objective of frequency management, the licensees do not become the owners of the assigned frequency as specified in the law and are not permitted to assign or lease it to a third person without the authorized authority’s permission. A fee must be paid for use of the frequency, which must moreover be put into use within the time frame specified by the law and the licensees must cooperate with the Authority provided the license to prevent and eliminate harmful interference and optimize utilization of the frequency spectrum” Concluded Zakarie Mohamed Sh. Yusuf , the Legal Advisor of SOHRIDEN.

SOHRIDEN is calling for the Transitional Federal Government to protect the rights of the local media houses and safeguard their operating frequencies which have authorized by the Ministry of information. We also call the AU peace keeping forces AMISOM to not abuse their power and violate the Voice of Peace, local Radio based in Mogadishu, in overriding their frequency which is against the National laws of Somalia and all the International instruments. We call all international media organizations to support the freedom expression in Somalia and stand by their side defending their rights.
–
Human Rights Reporting Office
Somali Human Rights Defenders Network (SOHRIDEN)
Human Rights House
Talex Street, Hodan District,
Mogadishu, Somalia.
Tel: +2525-9-29027/+252-1-227272
Email: sohriden@gmail.com,
info@sohriden.org
shrdefenders@globalsom.com
URL: www.sohriden.org

EAST AND HORN OF AFRICA HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS NETWORK

abdiweli — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 12:49:15 +0000

EAST AND HORN OF AFRICA HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS NETWORK

Press Release

22^{nd March 2010}^{advocacy@defenddefenders.org}^{( for French speakers).}^{http://www.defenddefenders.org}

GENEVA: End attacks on human rights defenders in Ethiopia The East and Horn of African Human Rights Defenders Project (EHAHRDP) called on the Ethiopian delegation present at UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva on Friday 19th March for the country’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process to end attacks on human rights defenders and to significantly amend new legislation that restrict the work of defenders.

In its intervention to the Council, EHAHRDP stressed the failure of the Ethiopian authorities to protect, promote and fulfill the rights of human rights defenders and sought to disavow claims made by the Ethiopian delegation during the first part of the UPR session in December 2009 that restrictive legislation passed in 2009 would not have an impact on the scope of defenders’ work.

Mr. Hassan Shire, Executive Director of EHAHRDP, started off by highlighting the impact that the Proclamation on Charities and Societies, by far the most restrictive of such laws in the region, is currently having on the ground: organisations choosing to register as Ethiopian charities in order to be able to continue their human rights work have had to significantly scale down both in terms of staff and scope of their activities and have had their bank accounts frozen.

“Reducing the capacity of human rights monitors at the national level at such a crucial time is concerning and risks to further undermine the fairness and freeness of this year’s elections” said Mr. Shire Sheikh in his intervention to the Council, referring to the forthcoming May 2010 elections, the first since the contested elections of 2005.

The intervention then went on to describe how the new Anti-Terrorism Proclamation with its very broad definition of what constitutes encouragement of terrorism, notably including writing and editing on terrorist acts, is also being used, both directly and indirectly, against defenders. One example of this was the campaign of intimidation in October/November 2009 against the Addis Neger, an independent weekly, by the government affiliated Addis Zemen that accused Addis Neger and its staff of terrorism. Mr. Shire highlighted the significance and impact of such a campaign: “Given the attack on the independent press following the 2005 election in which journalists were charged of anti-state actions, such intimidation can only have a chilling effect on the very small independent media sector“.

Mr. Shire went on to question the claims made by the Ethiopian delegations’ in December that there were no harassment of civil society in Ethiopia by describing how human rights organizations engaged in the drafting of the UPR stakeholders’ report last year had been publicly criticised by members of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Justice when they presented their report to these same authorities.

The ever increasing number of defenders leaving the country, including most of the staff of Addis Neger which has shut down, was given as a final example of the extent of the repression facing defenders on the ground.

Mr. Shire therefore concluded his intervention by calling on the Ethiopian authorities “to respect and promote the rights of human rights defenders, notably by significantly amending, or repealing, the legislations mentioned above and by actively refraining from the harassment, arbitrarily arrest and detention, and intimidation of defenders” and called on the Ethiopian authorities to invite the relevant UN Special Rapporteurs to Ethiopia without undue delay.

For more information please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Hassan Shire Sheikh, Executive Director of EHAHRDP on + 256 772 753 753 or Ms Laetitia Bader, Human Rights Officer at EHAHRDP on + 256 775 141 756 or

EHAHRD-Net Index GEN 01/011/2010

Laetitia Bader

Human Rights Officer

East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project
Human Rights House, Plot 1853 Lulume Rd., Nsambya
P.O. Box 70356 Kampala, Uganda
Tel: +256-312-265823
+256 – 414 510263
Fax: +256-312-265825

Website:

HMDC “the silence of Markablay Radio Station is a great pressure on the regional daily news”

abdiweli — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 21:51:11 +0000

Hayaan Media Development Center (HMDC) has strongly condemned the silence of Markablay Radio Station in Baardhere of southern Somalia that stopped broadcasting its media services after it is ordered by Al shabaab not to air any news story about the internationally recognized Somali Federal Government .

The silence of the Radio came after Al-shabaab today arrested Ahmed Omer Salihi who is Director of the Radio and reporter of Shabelle Radio in Mogadishu but later released after few hours in detention.

Speaking to the freelance journalists and reporters in the region, Salihi said we cannot continue our duty of broadcasting because of the orders given by Al-Shabaab. “Instead of airing one side of the news story we preferred to stop working” he added. Salihi is also the secretary general of (JIJA).

“This is all about to eradicate the independent media in southern Somalia and that is deplorable act to the free world” Abdiweli Garyare, the East African project manager of HMDC said

Hayaan Media Development Center also concerns about the situation of the two journalists detained yesterday by militants loyal to Al-Shabaab for journalistic tasks. HMDC again calls for an immediate release of these journalists.

Somalia is the most dangerous country for journalists in Africa as more than 20 professional journalists were killed and hundreds more wounded for the last three years.

if you want more information about journalists in Somalia, you can get our Website. ww.hayaanmedia.com