Freedom of Press is Under Attack in Somaliland

Freedom of speech is the foundation of our democracy, protected by the constitution granteed to all Somalilanders. On the campaign trail you promised to respect the media and not gag them. Mr. President you have reneged on your 2010 campaign promises. Throwing journalists into high- security prisons creates distrust and disbelief in your previous pledge to support a free press and embrace accountability and transparency.

Openness and clear presentation of information was solely lacking in the past regime, we are hungry for the forthrightness you promised. We urge you to release the editor of Waaheen media and Boqor Raabi who have earned respect and honor in our society. At the present time their God given rights are still denied, the rights to receive visitors while in jail and consistent provisions of food and water.

Since you won the election; Mr. President Ahmed Mahmud Silanyo you have broken your promises one after another. Your platform promised positive change but seems to be headed towards dictatorship; ruling by fear and scare tactics can never resolve conflict (Wadaadii Cadayd Cagta Saarnaayoo….). After the positive way the media advanced your campaign and help you win the election they deserve you trust.

Just a quick reminder, the media was so quick to pass judgment upon the last regime of President Riyale by spreading false information, allegations of corruption, even defamation of his own family. It took that regime six years to dare imprison journalists; in contrast you have exceeded President Riyale by doing so in less than six months. During the camping you created your own media such as Somaliland .org and Radio Hormood to denigrate President Riyale and his Government often resulting in chaos and misinformation.

Objective criticism and fair opposition is welcomed in true democracy. The media has a role to play in our society to help inform the nation and expose any faults and shortcoming the government may have. The media is the strongest tool that we can use to advance and plead our case to gain full independence and recognition.

Somalilanders are tired of empty promises and exploitation. A national uprising or revolt may fester and erupt any time as seen in the news in the Middle East. Somaliland could be next Egypt if people are jailed or treated unlawfully; our hard earned democracy would collapse.

I will leave you with

Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.”

Martin Luther King

Abdi Saeed

Email: hodan1995@hotmail.com