Puntland bans broadcasts of Voice of America Somali in the state

The administration of Puntland has banned the American Broadcaster, VOA and all local affiliates from broadcasting in the state with effect from today.

In a statement to the media information minister for Puntland Mohamud Hasan said all broadcasts and rebroadcasts of Voice of America Somali must cease forthwith failure to which the police will take necessary action.

The minister did not however state any reasons why the state was banning the broadcaster but the relations between the broadcaster and Puntland have been frosty with two journalists arrested and charged in May.

The Federal government has not commented on the matter.