Somalia: EAJA Welcomes EU Position on Repression of Media

The Eastern Africa Journalists Association (EAJA) has praised the European Union and its member states for "for the first time," coming out strongly to condemn the continued violations of media freedom and freedom of information in Somalia.

The EU statement, issued on 23 April 2010, after heads of the missions of the EU member states met the EAJA Secretary-General, Omar Faruk Osman, in Nairobi on 21 April 2010, condemned the oppressive actions undertaken by the Al-Shabaab and Hisbul Islam against media in the country.

"We welcome the statement of the EU on attacks against media in Somalia. This is the kind of spirit and actions Somalia needs at the moment from the international community to end the culture of lawlessness and impunity.

Somalia needs action, not just words and promises. This action by the EU will, of course, go a long way in demonstrating to the violators of media freedom that nobody condones their untoward behaviour," said Omar.

After forcing all radio stations in Somalia to stop broadcasting any music or information not complying with their impositions, as well as preventing BBC and Voice of America from being re-transmitted by FM stations in Somalia, the Al-Shabaab stormed GBC Radio on 14 April 2010, showing utmost disrespect for the basic right of freedom of information.

The EU said these attacks against media houses were just the latest chapter in an already established pattern of killings, threats and harassments of Somali journalists causing many victims throughout the last two years.

"We now call upon the EU to go a step further and provide necessary support to ensure the Somali media does not succumb to the persistent abuses by the enemies of press freedom," Omar added.
EAJA expresses its full solidarity with Somali journalists and the media houses in their struggle against oppression and tyranny.

- April 28, 2010
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Source: allafrica.com/stories/201004280517.html (accessed on 28.04.2010)