Somali government clamps down on independent broadcasters

On 22 March 2007, Al Jazeera and two local private radio stations, Shabelle Radio and Horn Afrik Radio, received the TFG's orders to stop broadcasting from Mogadishu, but were given no explanation for the decision.

According to reports, however, government spokesperson Hussein Mohamed Muhamoud said, "[The stations] have been ordered to cease operations because they violated the ethics of the media by misinforming about the reality in Somalia."

The order came just a day after Shabelle Radio journalist Mohammed Bashir Sheik Abdirahman and his driver, Osman Qoryoley, were arrested at Mogadishu International Airport, where they were to attend a press conference given by Prime Minister Ali Mohammed Ghedi. No reason was given for the arrest, although one report says they had been taking photographs just before they were taken into custody. Abdirahman and Qoryoley have since been released.

In a Shabelle Radio report on 24 March, the Information Minister of the TFG, Madowe Nunow was quoted saying that he was not aware of a government order to close down the broadcasters.

Al Jazeera TV subsequently ceased operation from the country's capital, but the two local radio stations are still on the air.

In response to the TFG's actions, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) have urged the government to stop harassing the media.

“We urge the Transitional Government to immediately put to an end this media harassment,” said Gabriel Baglo, IFJ Africa Office Director. “This move to control the media is an unacceptable press freedom violation and we call on the government to let the media in Somalia work in total independence and safety.”

Sources: IFJ, CPJ, Al Jazeera