President Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed
Transitional Federal Government of Somalia
Mogadishu, Somalia

September 21, 2007

Excellency,

I am writing on behalf of Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE), a non-profit, non-governmental organization that works to promote and protect press freedom and freedom of expression around the world.

CJFE wishes to express its concern over the recent attack by the armed forces on Radio Shabelle in Mogadishu. On Tuesday 18, 2007, Somali government soldiers surrounded the independent media network after firing shots on the building with staff inside. However, most of the staff evacuated the office during a short interval in the shooting.

The assault came four days after police raided Radio Shabelle, when they accused one of its journalists of throwing a grenade at a police patrol. 19 members of staff were detained at that time.

After its premises came under fire, the media network ceased all its media activities. The damages caused by the gunfire were so massive that the journalists are unable to continue broadcasting from their radio station. In addition, police still maintain their position around the building.

Already this year six Somali journalists have been killed, making it one of the most deadly countries for journalists in 2007. Many journalists have also been shot and wounded, some of them while trying to flee the country to seek refuge abroad.

CJFE calls on the Transitional National Government to remove their forces from the facilities of Radio Shabelle. These assaults are a blow to the rights of journalists in Somalia who should be able to practice their profession without fear for their safety and without the risk of violent reprisal from their government. Furthermore, we urge the authorities to allow all Somali journalists to exercise the right to freedom of expression and to cease obstructing the work of the media.

We thank you for your attention and look forward to your reply.

Yours sincerely,

Arnold Amber, CJFE President

cc: Ross Hynes, High Commissioner for Canada to Somalia (Kenya)