ONLF condemns violation of media freedoms in Somali region

NAIROBI, Kenya - The Ogaden National Liberation Front [ONLF] has protested against what it terms are violation of media freedoms in the Somali region, noting that curtailing the media would be a threat to democracy and against international human rights and other existing laws of the country.

The sect, which has been fighting for freedoms of the people of Ogaden, termed the current situation as regrettable, noting that the issues have “escalated suppression of media freedom in the Somali Region” which according to the party has “devastating impact on Journalism and the right to information.”

So far, the Somali region has reportedly banned 13 news outlets leading to outcry from members of the public who have been pushing for enhanced freedoms. It is not clear why Jigjigga is pushing for banning of various media houses which are responsible for news in the region.

The recent ban on foreign media outlets according to ONLF, “was prompted by the media’s coverage of the government’s neglect of the ongoing drought situation and increasing corruption scandals,” the press release stated. The region is targeting independent media stations.

Terming it suppression of the media, ONLF insisted that there is need for the regional administration to respect media freedoms in line with laws of Ethiopia. The government of Ethiopia has also been accused of perpetuating impunity by chocking media stations which are pushing for independent reporting.

“We stand in solidarity with them and call on the world to speak out against these oppressive actions,” it stated.

The freedom of the press is a fundamental human right and it is alarming that the government in the Somali state seems to have no regard for it, it stated, adding that, “Journalists in the Somali regional state is in desperate need of support as they fight for the right to report the truth”.

For a long time, ONLF has been pushing for freedoms and democratic space in the region which neighbors Somalia. At one point, the government of Ethiopia along with the Somali region designated Ogaden National Liberation Front as a terrorist group leading to a confrontation that lasted for years.

GAROWE ONLINE