Somaliland Journalists Association Condemns Call for Media Licence Renewal by Ministry of Information

The Somaliland Ministry of Information had on Sunday directed all media houses to renew their licenses, but the Somaliland Journalists Association has objected saying that the Ministry should not make any decision on media licensing by itself.

The Somaliland Journalists Association has denounced the call of the country’s ministry of information Media houses to renew their working license. The association invited Managers of the media houses for an emergency meeting to discuss the new directive of the ministry.

The Somaliland Journalist Association and the Managers of privately owned TV’s stations have agreed that the Ministry alone cannot order the renewing of media licenses and said that they will take the case to the Supreme Court.

Mohamoud Huuto, the Chairman of the Somaliland Journalists Association said that the country’s constitution clearly defines those within whose jurisdiction it is to order and give media licenses. He also stated the Ministry has violated the law:

‘Since the media is the fourth pillar of the country. It’s clear that there is no article stating that the media must renew their licenses. So, we believe that the new directive given by the ministry is in violation of the law in place.’

On Sunday, Somaliland Ministry of Information asked the media houses to renew their working licences though the Ministry has not explained the motive behind this directive.