The African Star

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The challenge of freedom of the press in Somaliland Mustafe Adam Jirde -- Hargeisa University     Somaliland as the youngest nation in Africa and without recognition for 16 years appears to oppress the freedom of the press. We are aware of the fact that not all African governments tolerate a free press. Many African journalists encounter beatings, harassment and torture. In some African countries women journalists are also raped and subjected to all forms of inhuman treatment. However, in Somaliland, women journalists who work for the print media are very few due to cultural and social factors. In Somaliland five journalists who were working for Haatuf newspaper were accused of writing stories  that were seen as casting doubt on the integrity of the president and his wife. They were arrested of defamation and charged with criminal libel. But the president pardoned them and they were  subsequently released. Two  weeks ago there was another incident that challenged the freedom of the press.  A  journalist, A/rahman Muse Omar (picture) who was working for a privately -owned TV was covering a story of a family being threatened with eviction by the government. The journalist met the family and they told him their version of the story. Omar was trying to be fair and objective. He wanted to interview the local Mayor, Mr. Mohamoud Osman Ji’ir. Instead of responding to the journalist the Mayor slapped him on the face and ordered his bodyguard to arrest him. The police released Omar after having spent two nights in jail.   My view is that a journalist must be patient and we have to show a sense of respect to our leaders by not compromising our journalistic integrity. The head of Somaliland journalism association, Mr. Mustafe Shiine, strongly condemned  the arrest of Omar. .