136
elections reporting which culminated in the signing of a 2010 media code of conduct on April
25, 2010, in Hargeisa. Signatories included the Union of Somaliland Journalists, the
Somaliland Women’s Journalist Association, Somaliland Journalists Association, the National
Electoral Commission and the Ministry of Information.
191
Future Considerations
Independent oversight of implementation of the
National Development Plan
may help address
two particularly immediate issues: the status of legal reform and the possibilities for the
government to fulfill its promise to grant radio licenses. That the government specifically
acknowledged these two needs – although it did not include specific action items towards their
accomplishment – provides some leverage towards ensuring they remain on the agenda.
The
National Development Plan
also raises the issue of digitalization (also known as digital
conversion),
192
which will require all broadcast media operating on terrestrial signals to move to
digital platforms as the international deadline (currently set for 2015) for the switch-off of
analog signals approaches. Worldwide, digital conversion has been a complicated process
involving new frequency and licensing plans, new equipment for broadcast outlets and new
receivers for viewers. A solid strategy, developed with the input of stakeholders representing
various interests, would help ensure that the process does not lead to the closure of outlets or
further limit the public’s ability to access information.
Recent closures of media outlets may suggest a need to take a closer look at trends with regard
to a shrinking space for freedom of the press, particularly among opposition voices. In June
2013, for example, independent newspaper
Hubaal
was banned by a Hargeisa court on orders
by the Somaliland attorney general’s office, months after its publisher had also been attacked.
193
In July,
Hubaal
’s editor was sentenced to two years in prison, while the paper’s manager was
sentenced to one year. The charges – defamation and false publication of news capable of
disturbing public order – stemmed from two separate articles: one in January, accusing
Ethiopian diplomatic staff of smuggling illicit goods, and another in June, asserting that
Somaliland’s president was in poor health.
194
Both men were pardoned a month later, and the
ban on the paper was lifted.
191
A Vote for Peace II: A Report on the 2010 Somaliland Presidential Election Process
. Rep. Hargeisa: Academy
for Peace and Development/Interpeace, 2012. Print, p. 148-153.
192
Mwiti, Lee. "The Great Digital Migration: A Switch Too Far for Africa?"
Africa Review
. Nation Media Group,
27 Mar. 2013. Web. <
/-
/979182/1731620/-/v5tyk2z/-/index.html>.
193
Goth, Goth M. "Somaliland:Court Bans Hubaal Newspaper,One of the Leading Somali Language Daily."
Hubaal
. Somalilandpress, 06 Nov. 2013. Web.
newspapera-leading-somali-language-daily-42449
, Goth, Goth M. "Somaliland:Opposition Parties Condemn
Government Crack Down On Media." Somalilandpress, n.d. Web.
,
Hasan, Yusuf M. "Somaliland: Attack on Hubaal Media House Raises Hue and Cry."
Somaliland Sun
. N.p., 28
Mar. 2013. Web.
raises-hue-and-cry
and Hasan, Yusuf M. "Somaliland: Attack on Hubaal Media House Raises Hue and Cry."
Somaliland Sun
. N.p., 28 Mar. 2013. Web. <
attack-on-hubaal-media-house-raises-hue-and-cry>.
194
Barkhad, Dahir. "Somaliland Court under Fire over Hubaal Convictions."
Sabahi
. N.p., 5 July 2013. Web.
>.
