Mogadishu-based Radio Stations of Shabelle Media Network, Radio Voice of Holy Quran and Horn Afrik Radio has been authorised to resume operations today by the Transitional Federal Government after decree ordering their closure signed by Minister of Information Madobe Nunow Mohammed was delivered to each of the three stations on 6 June 2007.

Following negotiations between media managers and the Ministry of Information along with appeals and mounting pressures from National Union of Somali Journalists, National Media Council and International Community, the Minister of Information cleared the media institutions to resume operations.

The three FM stations restarted airing news and programmes in the mid day.

"We are happy to resume operations and serve the public," said Abdimalik Yusuf Mohamoud, Managing Director of Shabelle Media Network. "Especially I give thanks to NUSOJ, IFJ, RSF, CPJ and the U.S. Ambassador Michael Ranneberger for the needed advocacy, solidarity and support they provided us", Abdimalik added.

"We welcome the authorisation given to the radio stations to resume broadcasting," said Omar Faruk Osman, Secretary General of the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ). "We appreciate the TFG leadership's understanding of the appeals made on this case, and we reiterate that media freedom and freedom of expression in general are important pillars for peace-building efforts, transitional democratisation process and successful reconciliation".