MOGADISHU, Somalia — The Lower House of Somalia’s Federal Parliament has imposed a ban on journalists reporting on press conferences held by Members of Parliament within the Lower House compound in Mogadishu.
This directive, issued by the Lower House Standing Committee under the leadership of Speaker Adan Madobe, prohibits media coverage of interviews and press briefings conducted by MPs.
The reasoning behind this sudden restriction was not disclosed by the committee. However, sources suggest that the decision might be linked to recent controversial statements made by MPs from the South West state.
These MPs had publicly opposed the withdrawal of Ethiopian military forces from their region, arguing that these troops were crucial for maintaining security against threats from the Al-Shabaab militant group.
This move has sparked a debate over media freedom in Somalia. Critics argue that the ban not only infringes on the rights of journalists but also curtails the public’s right to information. The prohibition is seen as an attempt to control the narrative around sensitive political and security issues, potentially undermining transparency and accountability.
Legal experts and media advocates have pointed out that such restrictions could violate Somalia’s legal protections for press freedom, which are intended to ensure that parliamentary activities are open to public scrutiny.
The ban has drawn condemnation from various quarters, with concerns that it might set a precedent for further limitations on media access to government proceedings.
As the situation unfolds, the international community and local rights groups are watching closely, emphasizing the importance of a free press in fostering democratic governance and public trust in government institutions.
