Volume 4
Number 1
The African Star
An on-line publication for the certificate and degree in journalism distance education program
Workshop studies gender- based violence in Somalia.
By Omar Said Mohaed East African University, Bosaso.
A workshop on gender-based violence, sponsored by UNFPA- and EAU was held from 25 to 28 April at East African University. The three-day workshop studied the effects of violence that afflict many Somali women. Full Story. (omar7)
Editorial: Somaliland president's visit to Europe.
On 12 June, Somaliland President Dahir Rayale paid a state visit to certain
European countries. The delegation headed by the president was accompanied by foreign
Minister A/lahi Ali Duale, presidential spokesman Said Adaniand special secretary
for the president Ahmed Mahamed Iise and the first lady. Full Story.(jird07)
Somaliland is Africa's success story
Against all the odds, and with little international support, Somaliland is well on the road to stability and democracy
By Peter Tatchell
The Guardian – Comment Is Free – 12 April 2007
http://commentisfree.guardian.co.uk/peter_tatchell/2007/04/africas_success_story.html
Too much of the news we hear about Africa is negative: famine, civil war, HIV, corruption and dictatorship. The latest horror stories from Darfur , Zimbabwe and the Congo grab the headlines, but quiet success stories like Somaliland rarely make the news. Full Story.(success07)
Africa what can be done?
By Hana Ismail Musa -- Somaliland
THE BOOK Africa: what can be done? Is a massive text written by Ben Turok, edited by Zen Books Ltd., 57 Caledonian Road, London N1 9BU and the Institute for Africa Alternatives, 23 Bevenden Street, London N1 9BU. Since the book is about neocolonialism, I have decided to focus on the fundamental charter of Neocolonial Africa in order to diagnose its intrinsic contradictors. Full Story. (hmusa07)
Citizens ready and willing to plant trees if given seeds
Mohamed Osman Ibrahim --Somaliland
Residents of Hargeisa citizens are very keen and enthusiastic to participate in a tree planting project if they get free seeds. Full Story. (osma07)
Bosaso Heat
Mohamed Abdullah Mohmoud EAU Bosaso
Reaching up 45 C: Bosaso’s hot climate can claim lives. Full story. (abdu07)
Fighting in Mogadishu causes people to flee
Mohamed Ige Mohamed
Fighting started in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, has caused a huge displacement of people. A report by Elman human rights organization stated that 381 people were killed and 1165 were injured where 5991 displaced from their homes, those who displaced reached as far as the border with Kenya. Full Story. (ige07)
Prospects for long-term peace in Somalia
Mohamed Mire Ahamed (mirem)
Some analysts in Somalia believe, like China’s Mao Tse-Tung, that war is sometimes a solution. Full Story. (mire07)
Students injured in clash with police
Amiin Mohamed – Somaliland
Berbera, June 21, 2007 (African Star) – Two students were injured when Berbera teenagers protested against a student removal from Somaliland’s leaving school certificate examination. The incident occurred on June 21, 2007 at Bursade High school in Berbera. Full Story. (amiin07)
Police to investigate "anti culture" hair cut
Amiin Mohamed – Somaliland
A police guard for Somaliand’s parliament recently ordered a 14-year-old boy to have his hair cut because the guard did not like the “uncultured western style” of his hair. Full Story. (amiin207)
In the valley of death : a personal experience of a Somali woman
A Somali woman who survived one of the fiercest wars and conflicts now lives a humble life in Hargeisa.
But she carries with her memories of her cross country flight, as an internally displaced refugee, from one conflict
to another in a desperate bid to save her family.
Journalism student Mohammed Yasin Mohamed recently interviewed her. Full Story. (yasin07)
Public discusses school of tomorrow problems
Abdirahman Abdilahi Warsame -- Somaliland
Parents of students in the school of tomorrow met to discuss school fees and other problems facing the school. Full Story. (wars07)
THE EU and US policy dilemma in Somalia
Abdirahman Abdilahi Warsame (Somalilaland)
The Transitional Federal Government (TFG) in Somalia is a product of intense negotiations in 2004 and involving the Somali warlords under the mediation efforts of Kenya as well as support from the European Union, the United Nations and the United States. The negotiations lasted two years. The TFG moved to Somalia in 2005. Full Story (wars2007)
Political system and parties in Somaliland
By Abdurahman Mohamed Ahmed -- Somaliland
To understand political policies and formations in Somaliland a background to the country’s history is important. Full Story. (abdura07)
Villagers agree to dismantle illegal grazing enclosures
By Aden Yusuf Qodah --Somalilaland
“Somaliland Ministry of Pastoral Development and Environment has held a ten-day advocacy
workshop on the protection and preservation of the environment in
Baligubadle which is one of the Hargeisa Region Districts with the support of Danish
Refugee Council ( DRC). Full Story. (Qoda07)
Profile of Puntland State of Somalia
By Ali Ismael Mohamed –Puntland
Puntland State of Somalia was established in 1998 by the efforts made by the traditional
leaders, intellectuals, and elites. These social groups felt a great
responsibility beyond the community they represented in order to get good governance. Full Story. (alis07))
Community-owned schools on the rise in Puntland State of Somalia
Mohamed Mire Ahamed (mirem)
After the fall of Somali national government, all public services had been non-existent, most of rural area residents suffered lack of essential services like; Water, Health, Electricity and especially education. Full Story. (mire307)
Rift Valley Fever; knocked down the economic backbone of the country.
By Ali Ismael Mohamed –Puntland
Rift Valley Fever is an acute disorder or febrile illness of livestock: sheep, goats and
camels. It is found mainly in east African countries (Sudan, Kenya and Uganda). Full Story (alis207)
Governmental Structure of Puntland State
Mohamed Mire Ahamed (mirem)
The history of Northeastern region of Somalia has since mid-1998 been referred to as the Puntland state of Somalia. This region has over many years been dominated by negative historical, political and socio-economic events that have occurred in the last century. Full Story. (mire207)
Complete eradication of FGM requires constant vigilance
By Ali Ismael Mohamed –Puntland
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a traditional catastrophe, begun from the Pharaohs era
in the age of Ramses two 1000 years before Christ. A large population of people is
affected by the custom of FGM in some parts of the world. Full Story. (alis307)
The rich Gulf will disappear if coastal road is not implemented soon
By Ali Ismael Mohamed –Puntland
Qandala town is situated at the coastline of the Red Sea, 90km east-coast of regional
capital Bosaso city. At the early days of 1970, the revolutionary government used to
control the entire country militarily and Bari region particularly which Qandala town was
known at that time as a far- to- reach area. Full Story. (alis407)
Traditional court looses public confidence
By Ali Ismael Mohamed –Puntland
A case in the traditional court recently has led to widespread public criticism of the traditional court system.
Full Story. (alis507)
FTG and Ethiopian troops clash with clan militia
By Ali Ismael Mohamed –Puntland
Ethopian troops in Mogadhisho capital recently clashed with the clan militia. Full Story. (alis607)
Wheel barrow man jailed for not paying taxes
By Ali Ismael Mohamed –Puntland
A wheelbarrow owner was jailed , after he refused to pay the daily municipal
tax. Full story (alis707)
Puntland supports the steps of TFG
By Ali Ismael Mohamed –Puntland
The airplane landed safely on 13:50GMT 11 April 2007 at Bosaso International Airport,
A natural, rough and beautiful airport at the beach with one side and huge mountain
peninsula on the other. Full Story. (alis807)
Obesity a growing problem among the rich in Puntland.
By Ali Ismael Mohamed –Puntland
Puntland was stable for a long time. In mid-1998 clan leaders and delegations from
North East regions of Somalia met in Garowe, the capital; discussed and finally formed
the local Government Puntland State of Somalia. Full Story. (alis0907)
The mass media in Cameroon
By OBEN ELSIE
Cameroon, a former French colony with a population of more than 15 million inhabitants, uses English and French as the two official languages.
She is one of the most populated Central African Countries, surrounded by some other notable African countries such as Nigeria, Gabon, Central African Republic, Congo, Equatorial Guinea and partly by the Atlantic Ocean.Full Story
The history and mass media of Somalia
HAWA DUALLE ADEM
Somalia is the one of many African countries which have experienced the devastating legacy of colonialism. In the aftermath of a civil war which led to the breakup of the administration a generation of free mass media has emerged. Full Story
The mass media in Somalia
JAMA MOHAMED YUSUF
Since the civil war in Somalia the main broadcast that Somalis have had is BBC news twice a day. There are also several newspapers and radio stations that are actively involved in disseminating news and mobilizing the community. In the rural areas people get most of their news from the BBC and traditional interpersonal communication network which suit the rural Somali pastoral and nomadic way of life.. Full Story
Analysis of the mass media in Somalia
MOHAMOUD OMAR BILLE
A growing number of people of Puntland are now using the internet for news and information. Full Story
A visit to the Somali media
HAWA DUALLE ADEM
I visited the radio station in Garowe, SBC and Daljir. Full Story
Mass media in Gambia
Mariama Ceesay
The mass media has been instrument in the development of this country and also played extremely important role in awakening the masses to the achievement of independence and also played a great role in the democratizations process and is upholding it social responsibility with all the difficulty it face from the government. Full Story (cees07)
Mass media in Gambia and Sierra Leone compared
Mohammed Legally-Cole
Sierra Leone where I am coming from, where the role of the present modern mass media is very tedious, journalists find it very hard and bleak to move ahead with the trend of time. This is because journalists have been faced with all types of draconian laws to streamline and muzzled Press Freedom in that country, coupled up with a number of unprofessional in the media, corruption in high places, in most cases journalists failed to perform their noble role professionally. Full Story.
Mass media in Gambia
Buya Jammeh
What is the state of the state of the mass media in Gambia?
The mass media has been instrumental in the development of this country and also played extremely important role in awakening the masses to the achievement of independence and also played a grate role in the democratizations process and is upholding it social responsibility with all the difficulty it face from the government. Full Story.
State of the mass media in Gambia
Alpha B Bah
The present state of the mass media is not poor and not good especially with the independent media’s that are always under direct attacks by the government of the day. Full Story.
Mass media in Gambia
Abdou Rahman Sallah
What is the state of the mass media in the Gambia?
Having won the struggle from the colonial administration, who put a squeeze against journalist as anti-colonist. Some of the veterans journalists like Edward Francis Small, Willam Charles Dixon Colley, Findin Daily, just to name a few, have established their identity and fought for the freedom of the press. Full Story (Sallah07)
Mass media in Gambia
Saikou Ceesay
The mass media in the Gambia is doing everything possible to develop the capacity of media institutions and media practitioners at large. In addition, many journalists reported that they felt intimidated to make coverage for critical political stories. Full Story (Saikou07)
Not Yet Uhuru: African mass media not yet free
By Ferdinand Tchokothe Edimo
INSAM-AVU ( Douala- Cameroon)As a result of colonialism and dictatorial systems that were predominant in the sub-saharan Africa, the mass media suffered from a lack of freedom. A precious freedom most journalists from the darker side of the world needed to express the sad realities and the iniquities that were and that are still inherent in their societies today. Full Story
The independent media in Africa: problems and challenges
By Ferdinand Tchokothe Edimo
INSAM-AVU ( Douala- Cameroon)Cameroon's SPECTRUM TELEVISION's journalist, Anne-Chantal Besong talks about the independent media in Africa. Full Story
Cameroonian mass media are slowly heading towards the right direction…
By Arideng A Ngon ‘’Nadege’’
INSAM-AVU ( Douala- Cameroon)
Spectrum TV's journalist and head of the Economic and Development Department,. Michel Njankou, is interviewed about the state of the press in Cameroon. Full Story
Students (pictured above) from Kaduna and enrolled in the Certificate in Journalism program of the African Virtual University have written a series of articles below on the state of the press freedom in Nigeria. The students visited two media houses: New Nigerian Newspaper (Government owned daily newspaper), Kaduna and The Champion (private weekly newspaper),
Kaduna. After the excursion students became well informed about topic of the excursion, Freedom of the Press in Nigeria, from both senior and junior journalists of the media houses visited. Also they were able to ask other questions bothering their minds about journalism as a profession in Nigeria, the prospect, as well as challenges.
Press Freedom In Post-Military Nigeria
By Alphonsus Okoroigwe
Legacy Computer Institute, Kaduna – Nigeria
The Nigerian media is regarded as one of the most vibrant in Africa. This is simply because state-run radio and television services reach virtually all parts of the country, operating at federal and regional levels. More so, all the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, run their own radio stations, with most operating television services. Full Story
Press Freedom In Nigeria
By Joy Odur
Legacy Computer Institute, Kaduna – Nigeria
Freedom of the Press (or Press Freedom) is the guarantee by a Government of free public speech, often through a State Constitution for its citizens and Associations of individuals extended to members of News Gathering Organizations and their published reporting.
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State of the Press Freedom In Nigeria
By Joy Odur
Legacy Computer Institute, Kaduna – Nigeria
Nigeria is the most populous black nation in the world. With a population of about 140 million people, it is a country that stands out as a giant. It prides itself with a strong virile economy, vast human and material resources and a positive image in the committee of nations. With all these credentials, one would expect that the mass media in Nigeria will be free and green. Full Story
Somaliland needs commentators and writers on religion
Abdirahman Abdilahi Warsame
Somaliland
In all Somaliland ,as mentioned many times, the only and by far the most covered topic by the media is the politics. Full Story
Radio is greatest source of information in Somalia
Hana Ismail Muse
Somaliland
The main challenges in Somaliland till now was recovering from the impact of state collapse in 1991 and the ongoing instability in many parts of the country. Full Story
Bossasso’s post civil war rdevelopment is very slow
Mohamed Abdullah Mohmoud (DULA)
East African University
After the civil war had erupted in Somalia at end of the last century, many people fled to Bossaso for a save haven from the fierce fighting happening in the country particularly those displaced from the south. Full Story
The problems of African marriages
Mohamed Osman Ibrahim
University of Hargeisa, Somaliland
In Africa, many girls do not attend school because their parents are afraid they will meet people who might drive them from their traditions.
An analysis of the conflict between the opposition forces and the Somali Transitional Federal Government
Mohamed Mire Ahmed
East African University, Puntland
The capital of Somalia Mogadishu hasn’t had a single night of peace, stability and with out the noise of open fire between two or more gunmen, since January 1991, which was the collapse date of last Somalia government. Full Story