Somaliland bans BBC from broadcasting in its territory

GOOBJOOG NEWS|HARGEISA: Somaliland has suspended BBC operations within its jurisdiction citing failure by the media house to recognize Somaliland as an independent and democratic country.

The Somaliland government, through its Minister of Information Suleiman Ali Koore, said that the BBC had “failed to recognize Somaliland as a democratic country.”

“As a government, we have decided to stop the BBC from operating in Somaliland after it has degraded the honor and dignity of the Republic of Somaliland,” said the Somaliland Information Minister.

According to veteran journalist Yusuf Gabobe, Somaliland might have taken the step due to the programs’ broadcasting of news and commentary promoting religious extremism and terrorism.

“BBC Somali operations in Somaliland suspended following strong grievances by the Somaliland government with regard to the programs’ broadcasting of news and commentary promoting religious extremism and terrorism including March interview with a wanted Alshabab fugitive Sheikh Adan Sune,” said Gabobe.

The suspension came on the same day BBC was forced to apologise to former Somali President Mohamed Farmaajo following a publication of a report that the former head of state met with former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyau. BBC indicated that it could not stand by the story.