By Abdi Salaan Abdulle

Mogadishu (FESOJ ) —The Federation of Somnali Journalists (FESOJ)
condemns the suspension from work of London-based Universal Somali- TV
channel  in the north westren self-declared republic of Somaliland.

"Suspension of a such news and entertainment station, which is merely
carrying out its media work is a flagrant violation of the press
freedom. it will only add to the already series sufferings of the
media in Somalia," said Mohamed Olad Hassan, FESOJ chairperson.

Somaliland Minister of communication, Mr. Abdilahi Jama Osman ordered
Universal Television to stop all of its operations in Somaliland
starting today, Wednesday. 06 october 2010. This order came in a press
release from ministry of communication and press.

"We have temporarily froze cooperation with Universal Television, " said Osman.

It is not clear the reason behind this abrupt decision, but In the
press release, Mr. Abdilahi Jama Osman accused Universal Television of
biased converges of issues related to Somaliland politics.

He said the Universal TV has continuously portrayed Somaliland in poor
light and does not balance coverage of opposing sides. He added that
Universal TV management did not respond to phone calls and
clarifications requests from his ministry. The Minister didn’t give
out specifics why he reached this decision at this time.

Federation of Somali journalists was not able to reach Universal
Television for comments.

Universal Television is the largest and most popular Somali channel.
It is based in the UK and it covers most of the regions and Somali
Diaspora in Europe and Northern America.

This is not the first time Universal TV faced disapproval in
Somaliland. The TV station was subject to public anger over comments
made by Universal TV host and his guest on a talk show. During the
show Universal TV guest went on insulting Somaliland people without
interruptions from the host. That incident created a large online
compaign in Somaliland to boycott Universal TV.

By Abdi Salaan Abdulle

Mogadishu-Somalia