MOGADISHU, Somalia – In a statement released on Sunday, Somalia’s leading opposition party, Himilo Qaran Party, expressed deep concern regarding the escalating restrictions and pressures faced by independent media and journalists in the country.
The party highlighted the constitutional rights of the media and journalists, citing Articles 18 and 32 of the Transitional Constitution of the Federal Republic of Somalia, which protect their rights.
The statement comes in the wake of local media denouncing what they described as “intimidation and censorship behavior” by the federal government following the cabinet ministers’ approval of a so-called National Media Council.
The opposition party’s statement underscores the importance of upholding the constitutional rights of the media and journalists, emphasizing their role in a democratic society.
The opposition party’s stance on this issue reflects the broader concern over the state of press freedom in Somalia. The country has been facing challenges in ensuring the protection of journalists and the independence of the media, with reports of harassment and censorship of media workers and opposition leaders.
In recent years, the Somali government has been criticized for its handling of media freedom, with incidents of journalists being detained, harassed, and even killed. The United Nations and other international organizations have repeatedly called for the protection of journalists and the promotion of press freedom in the country.
The opposition party’s statement is a reminder of the importance of upholding the principles of a free and independent media, which is essential for a functioning democracy. The party’s call for the protection of media and journalists’ rights aligns with the broader international consensus on the importance of press freedom in promoting transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.
As the situation in Somalia continues to evolve, it is crucial for the government to address the concerns raised by the opposition party and the local media. Upholding the rights of the media and journalists is not only a constitutional obligation but also a vital component of a democratic society.
