- The Islamic Courts Union (ICU) of Somalia has been urged to respect and protect press freedom in the country. This appeal came following the movement's presentation of its information policy during a meeting with the local media this weekend in the Somalia capital Mogadishu.
During the said meeting, the movement unveiled its thirteen-point policy whose content restricts the media from disseminating anything that can create confrontation between the people and the Islamist movement. The new policy bars journalists from attending the meetings of the movement without the formal permission of the movement as well as forces journalists to reveal the sources.
Media rights groups blamed the movement for its attempts to stifle the press. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) director of Africa, Gabriel Baglo described the development as "unhealthy and troubling" because it shows the Islamist movement's "efforts to control the media".
The IFJ director however welcomed the movement's readiness to open discussions with the media but he asked them to protect press freedom in the country at all cost.
The regional press watchdog also recommended the creation of a media commission with representatives of the local media and press freedom organisations in Somalia. "This commission will work on a media code of conduct that will guarantee press freedom and ethics," Mr Baglo suggested, adding that it could also identify local trainers and organise training sessions to reinforce the capacities of Somali journalists and media workers.
"We strongly believe that if the Islamic Courts work hand in hand with the Somali journalists and media organisations, it will create a conducive environment for the peace process in the country," said Mr Baglo.
The Somali Islamists on several occasions have attacked the press in the parts of the country they control. Several media outlets have been temporarily closed for not obeying to orders issued by the new rulers, including orders to ban music and criticism of the Islamist movement.
afrol News - It is called "financial inclusion", and it is a key government policy in Rwanda. The goal is that, by 2020, 90 percent of the population is to have and actively use bank accounts. And in only four years, financial inclusion has doubled in Rwanda.
afrol News - The UN's humanitarian agencies now warn about a devastating famine in Sudan and especially in South Sudan, where the situation is said to be "imploding". Relief officials are appealing to donors to urgently fund life-saving activities in the two countries.
afrol News - Fear is spreading all over West Africa after the health ministry in Guinea confirmed the first Ebola outbreak in this part of Africa. According to official numbers, at least 86 are infected and 59 are dead as a result of this very contagious disease.
afrol News - It is already a crime being homosexual in Ethiopia, but parliament is now making sure the anti-gay laws will be applied in practical life. No pardoning of gays will be allowed in future, but activist fear this only is a signal of further repression being prepared.
afrol News / Africa Renewal - Ethiopia's ambitious plan to build a US$ 4.2 billion dam in the Benishangul-Gumuz region, 40 km from its border with Sudan, is expected to provide 6,000 megawatts of electricity, enough for its population plus some excess it can sell to neighbouring countries.
front page
| news
| countries
| archive
| currencies
| news alerts login
| about afrol News
| contact
| advertise
| español