Previous page | New search |
The free AfricaBib App for Android is available here
Periodical article | Leiden University catalogue | WorldCat |
Title: | Newspapers in Hargeysa: freedom of speech in post-conflict Somaliland |
Author: | Höhne, Markus V. |
Year: | 2008 |
Periodical: | Afrika Spectrum |
Volume: | 43 |
Issue: | 1 |
Pages: | 91-113 |
Language: | English |
Geographic term: | Somaliland |
Subjects: | freedom of speech newspapers politics |
External link: | https://www.jstor.org/stable/40175223 |
Abstract: | This article discusses the role of newspapers in the ongoing democratization process in Somaliland. It shows that, embedded in Somali culture and the recent history of the region, freedom of speech in Hargeysa, the capital of Somaliland, is cultivated by and in print media, established after the civil war. Several debates in the newspapers, which have centred on sensitive political issues such as the position of Somaliland towards Somalia and the conflict between Somaliland and Puntland over the control of the Sool region, are used to exemplify this point. In some regards, the newspapers continue the legacy of the civil war. Most newspaper owners and journalists participated actively in the guerrilla struggle against the dictatorial regime of Mahamed Siyad Barre. The result of the struggle was secession from Somalia and the independence of Somaliland as a de facto State. The country, however, does not enjoy international recognition, and not all inhabitants support its independence. Against this background the newspapers are actively involved in a 'nationbuilding' struggle that marginalizes a significant part of the population and harbours the potential for renewed civil war in the region. Bibliogr., notes, ref., sum. in English, German and French. [Journal abstract] |