SOMALIA: Somaliland bans private radio stations

U N I T E D N A T I O N S
Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
Integrated Regional Information Network (IRIN)

SOMALIA: Somaliland bans private radio stations

NAIROBI, 5 June (IRIN) - The authorities in the self-declared republic of
Somaliland have banned the establishment of private radio stations, the
official Radio Hargeysa reported on Tuesday.

A circular issued by the Somaliland information ministry said that until
broadcasting regulations were laid down, there would be no private radio
stations because of the "potential dangers" of such operations.

"No other voice can be heard on the air waves except Radio Hargeysa, which
is the national voice," the statement said.

It said any broadcasting equipment already in the country should be
surrendered to the information ministry. "Anyone found opposing the contents
of the circular will be brought before a court of law," the statement added.

[ENDS]

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