The Somaliland government seeks to block the social media accounts of nine journalists and media outlets for what it terms as “spreading fake news and incitement of violence.”
According to the court order issued by the District Court of Marodijeh in mid-January 2023, the Somaliland government is seeking to block access to the social media accounts, including Facebook, youtube, and Twitter accounts of Mr. Abdirisak Terra, Miss Busharo Baanday, Mr. Mohamed Yusuf Bakayle, Abdisalam Germany and others.
Some of the reporters that the Somaliland government seeks to block their reach in Somaliland have broadcast news, interviews, and articles related to the ongoing crisis in Lasanod, where they have accused the Somaliland government of committing genocide.
Although the Somaliland government’s record on free speech and freedom of the press has been less than stellar, especially under President Bihi.
It is unclear if Somaliland’s telecom companies will comply with the court’s injunction which was issued three months ago, and if there are ongoing discussions between the Ministry of Telecommunication and Technology and the telecom operators on the subject. Somaliland government exerts little to no influence on telecom companies which are subsidiaries of the largest banks in Somaliland.
