Somaliland Promotes Protection of Freedom of Expression

According to the Somaliland administration, the right to freedom of expression will be strengthened, and journalists and citizens will not face jail time for voicing opinions that the government finds objectionable.

The Minister of Information, Ahmed Yasin Sh. Ali Ayaanle, has emphasized that they will defend freedom of expression in response to President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Cirro’s recent promise to the media and civil society organizations.

“We are committed to ensuring that no one is imprisoned for their opinions, as long as they do not violate the law, or report unpopular facts, then we will become a nation governed by the law and free,” added the minister.

According to American Freedom House’s annual surveys, Somaliland ranks first in East Africa and frequently outperforms Kenya in terms of civil and political rights protection.

In the past administrations, the widespread incarceration of the media and others who voice opinions that differ from those of the government in power, however, hinders Somaliland’s advancement in political and civil freedoms.

During the election campaign, the current president – Cirro – and his Waddani party promised to improve the defense of these essential rights.