0
According to the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) a FAJ affiliate, around 09:30 am on Friday 15 August, heavily armed security forces raided and shut down both Radio Shabelle and Sky FM, which are owned by Shabelle Media Network, and arrested at least eight journalists, including Shabelle chairman Abdimalik Yusuf Mohamud.
''This latest blow against two radio stations shows how authorities are reluctant to promote independant media,'' said Mohamed Garba, FAJ President. ''Our colleagues must be immediately released and the equipment handed over''.
NUSOJ reported in a statement that the closure of media houses and the arrest of journalists took place in what journalists have perceived as retaliation of news reports and interviews broadcasted by both Radio Shabelle and SkyFM Thursday night in which they talked about an interview the Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud gave to US-based PBS television.
Journalists and politicians interviewed by Shabelle strongly criticized President’s response to question regarding attacks on independent media including Shabelle Radio in which the President Mohamud cited Al-Shabaab’s "infiltration” in some media houses. Some government officials accused Radio Shabelle of badly depicting President Mohamud’s visit in Washington to attend US-Africa leaders summit.
''It is very regrettable for a President to state that the overwhelming majority of independent media supports terrorist group,'' said Gabriel Baglo, Africa director of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ). "Independent media can't be the voice of the Government, political parties nor any other terrorists group. They are playing a public service role in order to inform people with responsibility''.
Radio Shabelle has been shut by the government at least 3 times in recent years. It has also been threatened by Somalia's hardline Shebab fighters over its reporting, and several of its journalists and two of its directors have been killed.
This event has raised a wave of condemnations and brought lot of solidarity from the all journalists fraternity in the world. NUSOJ has warned that such violent actions could have a terrifying effect on hard-hitting journalism and the ability for Somali journalists and their media houses to operate independently in the country."We deplore the raid and closure of Radio Shabelle and SkyFM and the arrest of their journalists,” said Omar Faruk Osman, NUSOJ Secretary General. "We stand for and defend media freedom and freedom of expression and clearly consider this a flagrant attack on freedom of expression and freedom of speech”.
The EasternAfricaJournalists Association (EAJA) stands in solidarity with journalists in Somalia in demanding a stop to any acts that violated press freedom and interfered with freedom of expression.
"We strongly condemn the raid and shutting down of the two radio stations and the arrests of the journalists. This incident is a clear violation of media freedom and reflects a desire by the government to intimidate the media and journalists, which is unacceptable,” said EAJA Secretary General Alexandre Niyungeko.
For more information, please contact FAJ Secretariat: +221 33 867 95 86/87
The FAJ represents more than 50,000 journalists in 40 countries in Africa
Waagacusub.net- Somalia's army and Jubaland forces are teetering on the edge of conflict, as the military buildup intensifies daily and tensions show no signs of de-escalating, Caasimada Online news website reported on Monday. Full Article
Somalia's government on Sunday accused Ethiopia of smuggling arms into the country for the fourth time this year, further alleging its involvement in supporting regional officials, subject to court warrants and actively pursued, in efforts to destabilize the nation. Full Article
Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Jubaland leader Ahmed Madobe, previously allies in the nation's political landscape, now find themselves on the brink of war after a divisive National Consultative Council meeting revealed profound rifts, prompting both sides to mobilize for a possible showdown. Full Article
In July 2009, Mahad Ibrahim Hamarow kidnapped French officers Denis Allex and another officer who escaped from the Sahafi Hotel in Mogadishu and then joined Al Shabaab. In the same year, he fled to Kenya, this was confirmed by Hizbul Islam Spokesman Mr Aydarus. - In 2010, Mahad Hamarow went to South Africa for migration, that's how we found out in the investigation, we were also told by Mohamed Isse and his brother Somaney who lives in Johannesburg South Africa. Full Article
Waagacusub.net - Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Sunday mourned the death of Namibia President Hage G. Geingob and sent condolences to the government of the African country. Full Article
Waagacusub.net - Somalia's former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo on Monday warned of the risk of political crisis over plans by the incumbent President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to overhaul the constitution. Full Article
Waagacusub.net - Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi said his country will protect Somalia against any threat in what can be described as an indirect response to recent Ethiopia's move to access the seaport of Somaliland. Full Article
Egypt on Tuesday condemned a suicide bomber attack in Somalia that killed at least 20 soldiers. The attack took place at a training camp in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, on Monday. The al-Shabab terrorist group claimed responsibility. Full Article
President HSM's Proclamation to Defeat Al-Shabab by Force in Somalia To overcome the complex problems of civil war, state fragility, and underdevelopment, the Somali people supported risky political changes for a government that promotes freedom, justice, peace, and prosperity in Somalia. For example, the Islamic movements enjoyed popular support to end the brutal reigns of warlords and the military occupation of Ethiopia and establish new government. Full Article
Waagacusub.net -Auditor General Mohamed Ali alias Afgoi has exposed missing millions of dollars from key departments within the Federal Government of Somalia [FGS], in what could raise questions about government expenditures. In his report, Afgoi said 25 entities and three embassies have been audited. Unsupported expenditure amounts to $9M; contracts worth $31M not registered with auditor general's office, the existence of unauthorized bank accounts outside the Treasury Single Account. Full Article
Somalia's government on Sunday accused Ethiopia of smuggling arms into the country for the fourth time this year, further alleging its involvement in supporting regional officials, subject to court warrants and actively pursued, in efforts to destabilize the nation.
Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Jubaland leader Ahmed Madobe, previously allies in the nation's political landscape, now find themselves on the brink of war after a divisive National Consultative Council meeting revealed profound rifts, prompting both sides to mobilize for a possible showdown.
In July 2009, Mahad Ibrahim Hamarow kidnapped French officers Denis Allex and another officer who escaped from the Sahafi Hotel in Mogadishu and then joined Al Shabaab. In the same year, he fled to Kenya, this was confirmed by Hizbul Islam Spokesman Mr Aydarus. - In 2010, Mahad Hamarow went to South Africa for migration, that's how we found out in the investigation, we were also told by Mohamed Isse and his brother Somaney who lives in Johannesburg South Africa.
President HSM's Proclamation to Defeat Al-Shabab by Force in Somalia To overcome the complex problems of civil war, state fragility, and underdevelopment, the Somali people supported risky political changes for a government that promotes freedom, justice, peace, and prosperity in Somalia. For example, the Islamic movements enjoyed popular support to end the brutal reigns of warlords and the military occupation of Ethiopia and establish new government.
Waagacusub.net -Auditor General Mohamed Ali alias Afgoi has exposed missing millions of dollars from key departments within the Federal Government of Somalia [FGS], in what could raise questions about government expenditures. In his report, Afgoi said 25 entities and three embassies have been audited. Unsupported expenditure amounts to $9M; contracts worth $31M not registered with auditor general's office, the existence of unauthorized bank accounts outside the Treasury Single Account.
Waagacusub.net- Somalia's army and Jubaland forces are teetering on the edge of conflict, as the military buildup intensifies daily and tensions show no signs of de-escalating, Caasimada Online news website reported on Monday. Full Article
Somalia's government on Sunday accused Ethiopia of smuggling arms into the country for the fourth time this year, further alleging its involvement in supporting regional officials, subject to court warrants and actively pursued, in efforts to destabilize the nation. Full Article
Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Jubaland leader Ahmed Madobe, previously allies in the nation's political landscape, now find themselves on the brink of war after a divisive National Consultative Council meeting revealed profound rifts, prompting both sides to mobilize for a possible showdown. Full Article
In July 2009, Mahad Ibrahim Hamarow kidnapped French officers Denis Allex and another officer who escaped from the Sahafi Hotel in Mogadishu and then joined Al Shabaab. In the same year, he fled to Kenya, this was confirmed by Hizbul Islam Spokesman Mr Aydarus. - In 2010, Mahad Hamarow went to South Africa for migration, that's how we found out in the investigation, we were also told by Mohamed Isse and his brother Somaney who lives in Johannesburg South Africa. Full Article
Galmudug State is not just the geographic heart of Somalia but the quintessential soul of the Somali nation. Within Galmudug, all the major Somali clan lineages- the Hawiye, Dir, Darood and Madhibaan are represented. No other Somali region or state is home to such diverse and influential clans with such extensive historical significance in Somalia as found in the Galmudug territory. Economically, Galmudug in 2024 is set to be the first location for the offshore oil and gas that the Somali Federal Government in partnership with the Houston-based American company, Coastline Exploration have commenced work on off the Hobyo coast since 2021. Full Article
Hormuud's Assault on African Peacekeepers Figure 14: African Peace Keepers Hormuud launched a scorching public campaign against the Kenyan military forces in AMISOM in late August 2019. Full Article
Former Intel official stripped from NISA membership Full Article
PM KHEYRE USELESS AND COSTY OVERSEAS TRIPS. Full Article
Abiy says 'New Year' will be celebrated in Eritrea, Ethiopian Airlines to resume flights Full Article
Massive rise in Islamist militant attacks in Africa Full Article
FAJ Condemns new wave of Attacks against Independent Media in Somalia
Authorities in Somalia must immediately release the staff members and hand over the equipment of prominent independent radios, the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) said today.