Minister lifts ban on Somalian radio stations after four days

“This decision was to be expected, as the high-handed fashion in which the stations were closed was both abusive and counter-productive,” Reporters Without Borders said, satisfied with the decision. “We hope the transitional government will in future use methods other than blind repression to make its grievances known.”

On 10 June, Information Minister Madobe Nounow Mohamuda summoned the heads of the three radio stations to inform that they were authorised to resume broadcasts. The move was reportedly the result of pressure from the US government, whose ambassador to Kenya, Michael Ranneberger, interceded with the President to get the suspension lifted.

According to local journalists, Ranneberger argued that it could jeopardise the outcome of a national reconciliation conference due to be held in mid-June in Mogadishu.

Related article: https://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/410/59/15361.html

Published courtesy of RSF