The semi-autonomous Somaliland region of Somaliland suspends the broadcasts of the British network BBC

July 19 (EUROPA PRESS) –

Authorities in the semi-autonomous Somaliland region of Somaliland have announced the suspension of broadcasts by the British television network BBC, citing its non-recognition of the region as “a democratic country”.

The Information Minister of Somaliland, Suleiman Ali Kure, has stated that the regional authorities “have decided to stop the operations of the BBC after having degraded the honor and dignity of the Republic of Somaliland”, according to the Goobjoog News portal. .

In this sense, he has stated that the chain “has lost its credibility and neutrality” and has highlighted that the decision has come into force this Tuesday, as reported by the Somali Guardian portal.

The decision has come in the face of increased criticism in the region for the BBC’s coverage of the political and social situation in the African country, including those related to Somaliland, without the British network having ruled on the decision.

After gaining independence from the United Kingdom in 1960, the Republic of Somaliland joined former Italian-colonized Somalia to form the Somali Republic. In 1991, after years of violent conflict, the people of Somaliland withdrew from the republic and re-established their sovereignty. However, the country’s application to join the Commonwealth and the African Union is still pending.