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

November 26, 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 is concerned about the recent violent closure of three prominent private radio stations in Mogadishu. According to local journalists, these radio stations have been closed by the government because of their coverage of the civil war between the Somalia and Ethiopian Army versus Islamic insurgents.
On November 14, 2007, Somali government troops stormed the studios of Radio Banadir and Radio Simba. They dispersed staffers, and ordered the stations to stop broadcasting. The day before, Radio Shabelle was also forced to close for the eighth time.

All three radio stations were closed because they were suspected of undermining the government by disseminating false news. According to local journalists the other four private radio stations in Mogadishu HornAfrik Radio, Holy Quran Radio, Radio Somali Weyn, and Voice of Democracy are still on air, but they are censoring their reports. Somali journalists also face governmental pressure, intimidation and death threats.

CJFE calls on the government of Somalia to stop these forced closings and censorship of local media. All radio stations provide a vital service for all Somalis. They must be allowed back on air and must be free from governmental pressure and censorship. Freedom of speech and free expression is a fundamental right and a key sustaining pillar of every democratic society.

We look forward to receiving your reply.

Yours sincerely,

Arnold Amber, CJFE President

Case file number: 261107

cc: Mr. Ross Hynes, High Commissioner for Canada to Somalia (Kenya)
Mr. Maxime Bernier, Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs