Banadir Regional Authorities force local TV to fire a journalist who reported IDP eviction

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Banadir Regional Authorities force local TV to fire a journalist who reported IDP eviction

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) A local TV reporter in Mogadishu has been fired from his job after reporting evictions of dozens of families in Mogadishu's Kaaraan district last week, the journalist and colleagues said.

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Somali journalist, Ismail Ahmed Mohamed. (Photo/ Courtesy).

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) A local TV reporter in Mogadishu has been fired from his job after reporting evictions of dozens of families in Mogadishu's Kaaraan district last week, the journalist and colleagues said.

Ismail Ahmed Mohamed was removed from the local Shabelle TV a day after he covered the story of families who complained against enforced evictions by the local authorities. His TV piece was later taken down by the TV management, according to Ismail.

"I went to cover the evictions which was taking place in Bulo Mahay neighbourhood in Kaaraan District on Saturday July 11. The affected families were very vulnerable internally displaced families. After my story was published officials from Banadir Regional Authorities pressured the management of the TV," Ismail told Horn Observer.

According to the journalist, the story quoted local residents and the families affected who criticised authorities.

"Initially my editors were happy with the story but I think the authorities were angry about the story," Ismail adds.

Ismail's colleague has told Horn Observer that he was able to upload the story on a different media after the story was taken down last week.

"Such story shows how local journalists are brave to survive under such censorship. We have re-uploaded the story with a description," Ahmed Nasir Abdi said.

The incident is not isolated but only highlight the level of censorship in Somalia. In May this year, a female journalist was sacked from a local-state TV after she liked a Facebook page associated to the regional deputy president.

"The management of my TV told me that I was supporting the views of the opposition. I was sacked from my position," Amal Garad Qaje said announcing her ordeal.

(HORN OBSERVER)