SUNDAY EDITORIAL | Somaliland's constitution prohibits independent radio stations, except for government-owned Radio Hargeisa.
Somalia is considered Africa's most dangerous country for journalists to operate. Since January 2007, at least eight media personnel have been killed and tens of independent journalists forced to flee their homes in cities like Mogadishu, Baidoa and Las Anod. The lucky ones found refuge and assistance in Nairobi and Addis Ababa, the capitals of Kenya and Ethiopia, respectively. But many of the journalists stopped their work, after facing threats to their personal lives from many corners, including the government and the rebels.
In Garowe, the capital of the Puntland regional autonomy, upwards of ten journalists from across Somalia have found peace and an opportunity to re-engage in their trade. Faisal Khalif, the editor of Radio Las Anod, says he fled his home town after troops from the separatist republic of Somaliland invaded the town in October 2007. Radio Las Anod, which is one of the most well-known independent radio stations in Somalia, stopped its operations after meetings with Somaliland government officials ended in failure. Currently, there are six Radio Las Anod reporters living in Garowe; some have began working with Radio Garowe, but others long for the opportunity to return home.
Before Somaliland's takeover of Las Anod, the town's only independent broadcaster operated daily and offered local listeners news, opinions and other programming. But Mr. Khalif says Radio Las Anod reporters faced arrests and threats from security forces while Puntland was in control of the town. He was arrested by Puntland police several times; one time, he was held for 12 hours. Last year, a Somaliland court sentenced Mr. Khalif in absentia to five years in prison for allegedly spreading video footage of anti-Somaliland riots in Las Anod. Another Radio Las Anod journalist, Mr. Mohamed Ali Elmi, was held by Somaliland police for 22 days before being released.
In private talks, Somaliland authorities in Las Anod said they would "allow" Radio Las Anod to operate temporarily, under the condition that the radio censors its reports. But Mr. Khalif and other journalists rejected the idea and opted to close Radio Las Anod altogether until the radio can operate independently. Somaliland's constitution prohibits independent radio stations, except for government-owned Radio Hargeisa. Last year, Somaliland police raided the headquarters of Kulmiye opposition party after rumors spread that independent Radio Horyaal was based there. The rumors turned out false, but severely damaged relations between the Somaliland administration and the opposition.
Garowe is also home to journalists fleeing persecution in Mogadishu and Baidoa. Yet, unlike their colleagues in Nairobi and Addis Ababa, Somali journalists who have found a safe haven in the Puntland capital do not receive any recognition or assistance from international media rights groups. Mr. Khalif says local journalists do not have advocacy groups to spread their message and reach the international community. The journalists in Garowe live with friends and family, but say they seek assistance with shelter and stipends to take care of their daily livelihoods; many of these journalists have wives and children.
Asked why Somali journalists are being targeted, Mr. Khalif thinks he has an answer: "Journalists are targeted because they speak the truth." Frankly, i
n a country torn apart by nearly 18 years of war, the truth is perhaps the most dangerous thing of all.
By any measure, these brave men and women who, despite the security risks, refused to be silent are the heroes of a generation. But can the world recognize this?
Garowe Online Editorial, editorial@garoweonline.com
