Film Screening Rekindles Heartbreaking Memories of Fallen Somali Journalists as Community Vows Support
GALKAYO, Somalia (AXADLE) – As the globe marked the International Day to Stop Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, focusing on “Safety of Journalists in Crises and Emergencies,” a significant gathering took place in Galkayo—a central Somali town. Those present included journalists, relatives of slain media workers, local officials, and other community members.
The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) orchestrated the event, featuring a poignant film tribute to honor journalists who met their end while courageously pursuing the truth.
Galkayo, infamous for being the second most perilous city for journalists in Somalia after Mogadishu, was a fitting choice. This is a town divided by governance, with Puntland overseeing the north and Galmudug the south, frequently marred by inter-clan discord.
“The film is a stark reminder of the perils we face daily. As journalists, unity is our strength,” articulated Hassan Abdirahman, a local journalist and director of media training under Galmudug’s Ministry of Information.
In an affecting documentary, journalists opened up about their struggles with trauma and the persistent dread that has led some to contemplate abandoning their work. Justice seems elusive as many of these cases linger unresolved even after a decade.
Somalia continues to rank among the most lethal nations for journalists. Over 85 local and international journalists have been slain since 1992, with many cases remaining unresolved, prolonging families’ torment, as reported by the Committee to Protect Journalists. With Mogadishu accounting for 85% of such killings, Galkayo follows closely.
In the span since 2019, 12 journalists—10 men and 2 women—have died on the job in Somalia, according to SJS figures.
Mohamed Sheikh Said, at the helm of the Galkayo Peace Integration Initiative—an organization cultivating unity among feuding clans with backing from journalists and activists—addressed the crowd, stressing the importance of commemorating the lives of these fallen journalists.
“Many of these individuals stood as beacons of peace and truth,” he reflected. “Representing my organization, I vow to support the educational endeavors of children left behind by journalists slain while on duty.”
Throughout the event, attendees urged the government to establish a fund to aid the families of fallen journalists.
Elmi Kulan, an ex-journalist, spotlighted the pivotal role of the local community, asserting, “The community is our lifeline. We cannot thrive without its backing, so I implore everyone to stand beside our media comrades.”
Speaking on behalf of women, Habibo Kofurow emphasized that tackling impunity is a prerequisite for ensuring the safety of all.
“Although Galkayo has seen moments of calm, families continue to endure hardship and a lack of justice for their lost relatives. Justice and peace are siamesed; you can’t have one without the other,” she proclaimed, urging the government to thoroughly probe journalists’ murders.
Mohamed Bulbul, Head of Human Rights and Information at SJS, underscored the importance of ending impunity for crimes against journalists as crucial in ensuring their safety and enhancing Somalia’s global standing.
“Today, SJS stands in camaraderie with the local media, paying tribute to those lost and urging an end to impunity,” Bulbul expressed.
He added that SJS also released an evocative documentary shedding light on the ongoing struggle in Galkayo as journalists and their families deal with loss.
“We aim to rekindle the memory of our fallen colleagues and renew our call for justice, accountability, and an end to impunity,” Bulbul expressed.
The solemn gathering concluded with a prayer in memory of all journalists slain across Somalia.
