By M.A. Egge
The Minister of the Ministry of Information, Culture and National guidance who was flanked by the ministry’s Director met with the Somaliland Journalists Association (Solja) officials on the acceleration of the implementation of the nation’s media laws.
During the meeting, general media issues, the arrest of journalists, and how to expedite the Somaliland press law that is pending before the House of Representatives were the main matters discussed.
The chairman of SOLJA, Shafi Mohamed Ibrahim, presented the arbitrary arrests of 5 journalists at the meeting, without going through a legal process.
The organization expressed concern about the violations against press freedom, noting that the arrest of journalists is an obstacle to press freedom and the development of democracy in Somaliland.
For his part, the Minister of Information underlined the government’s commitment to protecting press rights and developing the media. The Minister pledged that the ministry would work with the media fraternity to strengthen cooperation, protect media independence, and work to complete the Somaliland press law.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to expedite the implementation of the press law, work together to resolve journalists’ complaints, and strengthen cooperation between SOLJA and the Ministry of Information to develop Somaliland’s media.