Serious press freedom violations have been reported in Kismayo since the eruption of internal fighting last week between the rival Islamist groups battling for control of the town and its port, which is lucrative.
  
The worst press freedom violations occurred on October 5, 2009, after the press secretary of Kismayo Administration under Al-Shabaab, Sheik Hassan Yacqub, summoned journalists in Kismayo and read a number of edicts Al-Shabab wants to be implemented. The edicts included orders to the journalists to either join the Al-Shabab and take part in the “Jihad” (Holy War) going on in Somalia, or choose to be with the opposing side and leave the town altogether. Those of the opposing view will not be allowed to stay and work in the town, according to Yacqub.
 
NUSOJ is perturbed that a number of journalists representing various media organizations in the town received threats ranging from that of arrest to expulsion. The affected journalists work for media houses in Mogadishu, Bossasso, Galkayo and Baidoa. After issuing the oppressive edicts, many journalists have decided to stop their journalistic work and some have already fled the country fearing for their safety.
 
“We condemn in the strongest terms possible this culture in Kismayo town of issuing edicts and threats against journalists. This amounts to serious violations of freedom of expression and must stop forthwith,” said Omar Faruk Osman, right, NUSOJ’s Secretary-General. NUSOJ notes with great concern that that this development comes less than one month after the Al-Shabaab issued very restrictive edicts to journalists in the Gedo region. There is only one radio station in Kismayo owned by the Al-Shabaab administration.
 
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For further information, contact:
National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ)
Taleex Street, KM4 Area, Hodan District,
Mogadishu, Somalia, tel/fax: +252 1 859 944,
e-mail: newsletter@nusoj.org  
Internet: http://www.nusoj.org

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National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) is a national union representing Somali journalists to promote and protect freedom of the press and the interests and rights of journalists. It is a member of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), International Freedom of Expression exchange (IFEX), Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) and Eastern Africa Journalists Association (EAJA). NUSOJ is partner with Reporters without Borders (RWB).
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