The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) condemns the continuing efforts of Somaliland to silence news media by shutting down independent media houses and harassing critical journalists.
Somaliland Minister of Information Mohamed Musse Dirie had issued a written order in which the Ministry ordered the suspension of operations of Horyaal TV and Eryal TV in Somaliland territory.
Authorities accused the two television channels for “interfering in the inner activities of security forces” and “being against Somaliland’s nationhood”. In this morning Somaliland police went to the the headquarters of Horyaal TV and forced the TV station off air after the management initially resisted to comply, though the police left the premises after insuring the total shutdown. Eryal TV received a copy of the order and complied.
Journalists in Hargeisa and Las Anod who spoke to NUSOJ confirmed that Somaliland officials are enraged by the critical but balanced news reports by the two TV channels concerning Somaliland conflicts with Puntland in disputed regions of Sool, Sanaag and Ayn.
News reporters of both Horyaal and Erya TVs were in the past weeks given direct and indirect orders to alter news reports critical of Somaliland administration. A week before, Somaliland forces in disputed regions tried to obstruct reporters and camera operators of the two channels.
“We are seriously troubled by the suspension placed on Horyaal and Eryal TV networks. We have already seen individual reporters targeted because they will not toe the administration line. We call on Somaliland authorities to reverse the order suspending the operations of the two television networks and let journalists and their stations report openly on what is happening in Sool, Sanaag and Ayn regions at this crucial time,” said Omar Faruk Osman, NUSOJ Secretary General.
NUSOJ is particularly urging the Somaliland authorities to cease reprisal attacks against independent media houses for reporting “unpleasant story” and guarantee the independent exercise of journalism without any harassment and criminalisation of journalistic work.
