Kulmiye Radio, which is an independent radio launched on 13 February 2010, was closed by the National Security Agency in a letter on signed by Col. Khalif Ahmed Ereg, head of Benadir Region’s National Security Agency, Mogadishu, office on Wednesday noon, 02/03/2011.  The letter was delivered by members of the NSA, Mogadishu office on Wednesday.

“The Administration of Kulmiye radio are ordered to temporarily shut down the radio.” The letter said. “We hope that you will comply the orders.” The letter added.

The Director of Kulmiye Radio, Osman Abdullahi Guure known as Abwaan Guure was delivered to the news of the closure of the Radio amid the different parts of the independent media stakeholders including the Radio managers, newspapers, the online group and the foreign media representatives, union leaders, women journalist representatives were meeting with the minister of Information, Posts and Telecommunication. The media stakeholders discussed various topics on the media including the launch of a National Media Regulatory Body, which the minister welcomed.

“I have just been informed that Kulmiye Radio was shut down by the security agents of the government and I don’t know the reason they have silenced our radio.” Osman Abdullahi Guure, Director of Kulmiye Radio said “members of the NSA, Mogadishu office delivered the letter of the order.”

But the minister of Information, Posts and Telecommunication Dr. Abdulkareem Jama who briefed the media said that he had received information that the radio Kulmiye was shut down by the National Security Agents.

In the NSA letter, It was not specified the purpose of the closure and the radio station immediately went off air. The radio was accused of broadcasting information.

Dr. Jama said that the NSA closed down the radio, after the radio broadcast, on Tuesday night news, relating that the government might not help defected Shabab members who joined the government which against Cabinet decision in an extraordinary meeting on Tuesday. The decisions made among others include that the government welcomes and gives all necessary help to the brainwashed kids in the Shabab willing to join the government.

 “I have just received during our meeting that the National Security Agency has taken an action against Kulmiye Radio, we don’t have more detailed information.” Minister of Information, Posts and Telecommuncation said, “As I understood, yesterday, the cabinet met and one of the decisions included that the government urged to defect the brainwashed children in the Shabab and the government will give them all necessary help needed and we were told that Radio Kulmiye last night broadcast information which means that the government will not help and welcome Shabab defectors willing to join the government.”

“We strongly protest and condemn the act of shutting down the radio by the National Security Agency and we call the transitional Federal government to immediately lift the order.” Mohammed Ibrahim, NUSOJ Acting Secretary General said.

By Abdirashid Deel