The Minister of Health Angered During Parliamentary Session + Video

Mogadishu (Caasimada Online) – The Minister of Health and Social Care of Somalia, Ali Haji Aadan, today appeared before the Parliamentary Social Services Committee to answer questions but became angry during the meeting after a heated debate arose.

The debate arose after the minister refused to allow Universal Television to broadcast the questions being asked by the committee members live, demanding that the live broadcast of the meeting be stopped.

Ali Haji clearly stated that he would not answer the questions of the members if Universal Television continued the live broadcast of the meeting, asking the committee chairman to remove the reporters from that TV from the hall.

“Chairman, Universal TV must leave the hall; otherwise, I will not answer the questions. The TV refuses to stop the live broadcast, so if they do not leave, we will leave,” said Minister Ali Haji Aadan.

This statement sparked a debate and misunderstanding between the minister and the committee, with the Chairman of the Parliamentary Social Services Committee of Somalia later intervening.

“Brothers, stop the live broadcast and record it for us later,” responded the Chairman of the Social Services Committee, who intervened in the conflict between the minister and Universal TV.

On the other hand, the Deputy Chairman of the Information Committee of the House of the People, MP Mohamed Hassan Murjaan, who spoke about this incident, pointed out that the minister's action undermines press freedom and that the public should have access to official government information.

"Independent media is not a property that a minister owns and can order to be blocked; the blocking of Universal TV is a step that harms the freedom of the press and the public's right to access information and government news. The minister should clarify the law he is acting upon; no one is above the law," said MP Murjaan.

He also added, "Members of Parliament are representatives of the people, and the media is where the public follows the government. As the Deputy Chairman of the Media Committee, I will hold the minister accountable for this matter before the Council. State power should not be used to block or suppress independent media."