Somaliland
needs commentators and writers on religion
Abdirahman Abdilahi Warsame
Somalilalnd
In
all Somaliland ,as mentioned many times, the only and by far the
most covered topic by the media is the politics.
Publishers
argue that their papers wouldn't be purchased if they didn't
write about politics.
Because of
this the media tend to ignore all other areas.
In my point
of view the most neglected area is re religion.
The mass
media publish social issues such as
marriage,
education,health and many others.
But it sounds
as though no one dares to write or talk about religion which is
very important part of our
life.
I am not
referring to the sheikhs or religious leaders. They write and
air their views on religion in the media. What are missing are
journalists as religious commentators.
The mass
media have correspondents and analysts in areas such as
politics and sport, but not on
religion.
As in any
other field religion needs to be discussed or covered by
journalists. If this happens I am sure it will solve many
conflicts between religious
groups.
Commentaries
and analyses on religion by journalists will offer a more
public scrutiny of religious groups as well as more public
interviews with religious leaders by journalists.
Unfortunately, this is not likely to happen for many years.
Journalists do not have any intention of
or plans to
apply their profession to religion or other subjects. People in
my community would like to see public debates among religious
groups. When they face each other across the table and argue
their religious convictions the different religious groups,
provide answers to many questions the public are asking.
Different
religious groups have deferent adherents in the public, as
political parties have.
And this
sometimes causes clashes between the people within the same
religion (Islam).
I would like
to be both a religious broadcaster and commentator.