EHAHRD-Net DISMAYED BY CLOSURE OF SOMALIA RADIO STATIONS

EHAHRD-Net Index: SOMA 014/005/2007 (Public)

08th June 2007

The East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders’ Network (EHAHRD-Net) is alarmed by the news of the closure of three radio stations in the Somali Capital, Mogadishu.

According to Network sources in Mogadishu, the three leading private radio stations; HornAfrik Radio, Radio Shabelle and Radio IQK (Holy Quran Radio) were closed after Somali security forces backed by Ethiopian troops, launched a security crackdown in the wake of Sunday’s deadly suicide bombing of the office of the Somali Prime Minister. The government accused the radio stations of "creation of hostility, assistance to terrorism, violating the free system, confusing the public and government denial”.

“We condemn the continued infringement on the freedom of expression in Somalia, and urge the Transitional Federal Government to halt these acts of lawlessness. The TFG must respect the freedom of expression as enshrined in the Transitional Federal Charter regional and international human rights instruments,” says Hassan Shire Sheikh, Chairperson of EHAHRDP/Net.

Background:

Somalia has become one of the worst countries harassing the media in Africa. Especially so, just halfway the Year 2007, at least four journalists have been murdered, while a number of other media houses have either been threatened or closed. Journalist Mohammed Abdillahi Khalif was murdered in Galkayo Puntland (May 2007) , journalist Ali Mohammed Omar was murdered in Baidoa (Feb 2007), while two other radio journalists; Abshir Ali Gabra and Ahmed Hassan both working with Radio Jowhar, were shot dead when unidentified gunmen ambushed the convoy of the Governor of the Central Province, Middle Shabelle on May 15 th 2007.

In earlier cases; Radio HornAfrik was hit by artilleries on April 21 st 2007, temporarily halting its operations. During that attack, journalist Yahye Ali Farah and Cameraman Abdi Dhaqane sustained injuries; on April 19 th 2007, the Global Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) based in Mogadishu experienced “indiscriminate bombardments”, damaging its equipment; Ayaamaha Daily Newspaper was also hit; Shabelle Media Network has been repeatedly shut; and the Al Jazeera TV offices were also closed early this year.

Such, is the horrible situation of the media in war-torn Somalia.

APPEAL:

EHAHRD-Net appeals to the Transitional Federal Government toimmediately and unconditionally re-open the three radio stations, and allow them to carryout their work without further interruption.

We further call upon the international community to continue monitoring the unfolding events surrounding the media in Somalia, and pressure the TFG to strictly observe the regional and international mechanisms put in place for the protection of the media

We urge all our Network members across the sub-region to condemn this act of lawlessness and appeal to the Somali authorities to immediately re-open the closed radio stations.

Please send appeals to ;

The Somali Charge d’Affaires in Kenya, asking for them to be forwarded to Somalia’s President, Col. Abdillahi Yusuf Ahmed: TFG charge d’affaires, Mohamed Ali Nur, PO Box 623-00606, Jabavu Road, Hurlingham, Nairobi, Kenya

Email: mali@somaliembassy.co.ke

Salutation: Dear Sir

For further information, please contact

Tumusiime Kabwende Deo

Press Officer

Mobile : +256-712-075721