Gurbiye’s arrest a sign of dictatorship-Ex-President Mohamud

The arrest and detention of Goobjoog Media Group Editor Abdiaziz Gurbiye is a sign of dictatorship, former president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud (pictured) has said warning the country’s leadership against it.

Noting that suppression of freedom of expression and dissent was not a ‘Somali culture’, the former head of state said using underhand tactics to silence journalists was not helpful for a budding democracy.

“Threatening and arresting the journalists just to silence them will NOT help the nascent democracy in our beloved country, Somalia,” President Mohamud said.

“The detention of the prominent journalist Mr. Gurbiye of Goobjoog is a sign of a dictatorial culture in the making.”

The UPD party leader said the country’s leadership should avoid taking the country to a strong man’s era and instead embrace democracy.

“History tells us this culture was NOT and is NOT Fit for Somalia. My advice is the leaders of our nascent democracy to change the course – Protect the voice legitimate freedom of expression. That is Good for Somalia and good for their legacy,” he said.

President Mohamud’s call adds to a growing voice from politicians, journalist union and professional groups condemning Gurbiye’s arrest and calling for his release.

Reporters Without Borders called on the Somali government to take necessary measures to end the arrest of journalists noting there were many other avenues to deal with press offenses.