Mogadishu (Halbeeg News) — Journalists have been barred from covering press conferences both inside and outside the Somali parliamentary premises.
The Lower House Standing Committee chaired by speaker Adan Madobe issued the directive following a press conference by MPs from the South West region who publicly supported the continued presence of Ethiopian troops in the Bakool area.
The MPs decried demands for withdrawal of the Ethiopia forces noting they played an important role in securing parts of the state which are under threats from Al-Shabaab.
The comments by the South West state MPs has stirred controversy within Parliament and further deepened divisions between lawmakers who support Ethiopian troops and those calling for their withdrawal.
Critics have however said the ban is a violation of media freedom stating that journalists are protected by law to report activities and developments from parliament.
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