"Somaliland needs legal, policy and institutional reforms in order to avoid arbitrary and politically motivated interference with the dissemination of information and opinions to the public. This is the conclusion of one of the papers presented at the 4th Annual Conference organized by the Social Research and Development Institute (SORADI). With a focus on media development, the conference in Hargeisa on August 24 and 25 [2013] brought together representatives from government institutions, policy makers, civil society as well as academics, journalists, international scholars, and traditional leaders to discuss, debate and exchange ideas on press freedom in Somaliland's young democracy. With 57 licensed newspapers, 8 TV stations, 108 news websites but only one public radio station the first contribution to the discussion centered on the media industry, its practices and the lack of enforcement of regulatory frameworks. Lessons from what the author of the second paper called "Africa's freedom of speech dilemma" guided the conversation on what there is to learn for Somaliland. Further afield, the third paper dealt with the role of the Diaspora in shaping the media landscape in Somaliland. As part of the discussion on professional media practices, the fourth presentation looked at challenges of Somaliland Universities to offer relevant studies programmes. Debating the intricate issue of balancing rights and responsibilities of media, the fifth paper looked at the performance of the media during the time of elections. The final paper summarised promises and challenges of media freedom in Somaliland." (https://ke.boell.org)
I. SOMALIALAND MEDIA UNDER THE SPOT-LIGHT
1 Media Industry in Somaliland: The Current Practice and Its Law and Other Regulatory Frameworks / Adam Haji-Ali Ahmed, 10
2 The Quest for Free Press and Expression In Africa: Identifying The Challenges And Lessons That Can Be Learned From Somaliland / Nasir M. Ali, 21
3 Somaliland Media and The Role of The Diaspora / Zeinab Adan, 41
4 Challenges Facing Somaliland Universities to Offer Journalism Studies Program / Mohamoud Hassan, 49
5 Exercising the Code Of Conduct During The Elections: The Case Of The Somaliland Media / Abdikadir Abdirahman Ismail, 55
5 Freedom of Press and Democratization In Somaliland: Promises and Challenges / Memar Ayalew Demeke, 67
II. ELECTIONS AND AID POLICY
6 A Critique of UNSOM’S Approach to Somaliland: Politicizing Aid & Development Assistance / Deqa Osman, 84
7 Lessons from Somaliland 2nd Local Council Election: My Field Experience / Mohamed Fadal, 92
8 Somaliland Forever / Abdirahman Mohamed, 107
9 In Search of a Suitable Quota System for Somaliland Women: Access to the Policy and Decision Making Arenas of Their Country / Zeinab Yusuf H Adan, 114