​Somalia: BBC Somali service criticized for false report on Qandala

GAROWE, Puntland- The BBC Somali service, which was operating since 1957, is facing tough competition from its rival VOA, which employs various local reporters in the horn of African nation, Garowe Online reports.

The service is transmitted in the Somali language broadcasting daily programs to its audience who live in the Horn of Africa and neighboring regions and provides a key link between those in Somalia and those elsewhere.

The radio station is based in London and was criticized lately for inadequate coverage of Somali news due to shortages of local correspondences in Somalia.

The service has offices in Hargaisa and Mogadishu, whereas in the past 3 years, no reporter has worked for BBC in Puntland region, since the departure of Ahmed Mohamed Ali “Kismayo” back in 2013, who used to cover news stories from Puntland region for over 12 years.

The lack of local reporters led the radio service to interview a false security official yesterday during a live radio broadcast show on ongoing offensive against ISIS in Qandala.

The man claimed to be a commander for Puntland Maritime Police Forces, Col Abdi Nasir Aynab Ali aka “Haayow” and said the forces have successfully recaptured Qandala from the militant group after fighting.

But during a VOA interview with the official commander of Puntland Maritime Police forces, Admiral Abdirazaq Farah Diriya, he refuted the claims that Qandala was recaptured by his forces, and noted that the man is not an official with the Puntland Maritime Police Forces. Diriya said his forces are positioned near Qandala and preparing to carry out security operations against ISIS faction in the area.

In most cases, BBC journalists in Mogadishu and Hargaisa, present news about development stores in Puntland region.

The lack of BBC Somali reporters in Puntland region could be attributed to financial cuts in the budget, resorting to minimize operational offices to Mogadishu, Hargaisa and neighboring Kenya, focusing more on the political interests of UK in the region.

Pundit said the recent false report of BBC Somali service could jeopardize its creditability among its vast audience in Somalia and particularly in Puntland region.

GAROWEONLINE