MOGADISHU, Somalia, 2 November 2024 – As we observe the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) once again demands justice and accountability for the journalists who have been killed in Somalia. They are calling for thorough and impartial investigations to eradicate the impunity that media professionals face in this country.
SJS stresses how crucial it is to combat impunity in crimes against journalists, whether the culprits are government figures, strong clan militias, or the militant group al-Shabaab. Such actions are vital for journalists’ safety and to refurbish Somalia’s tarnished global reputation regarding unresolved journalist homicides.
Since SJS started monitoring journalist-targeted violence in 2019, a dozen journalists—two women and ten men—have been murdered for their commitment to the truth. Today, we commemorate their legacy:
– Mohamed Omar Sahal– Lost in Kismayo, 12 July 2019
– Hodan Naleyeh – Lost in Kismayo, 12 July 2019
– Abdinasir Abdulle Ga’al – Lost in Awdhegle, 14 August 2019
– Said Yusuf Ali – Lost in Mogadishu, 4 May 2020
– Abdiwali Ali Hassan (Abdiwali Online) – Lost in Afgoye, 16 February 2020
– Abdiaziz Mohamud Guled – Lost in Mogadishu, 20 November 2021
– Jamal Farah Adan – Lost in Galkayo, 1 March 2021
– Mohamed Isse Koonaa – Lost in Mogadishu, 29 October 2022
– Ahmed Mohamed Shakur – Lost in Basra (Middle Shabelle), 30 September 2022
– Abdifatah Moalim Nur (Qeys)– Lost in Mogadishu, 16 October 2023
– Abdikarin Ahmed Bulhan – Lost in Abudwaq, 14 March 2024
– Amun Abdullahi Mohamed – Lost near Afgoye, 18 October 2024
Journalists in Galkayo. | PHOTO/ SJS.
Sadly, since 1992, more than 85 journalists, both Somali and foreign, have been slain in Somalia, with most cases left unsolved and their families in enduring sorrow. The death toll in Mogadishu, the heart of the federal government, makes up 85% of these tragic incidents, followed by Galkayo, a city marked by division between Puntland and Galmudug in the Mudug region.
Standing strong alongside the local media fraternity, SJS comes together with journalists and bereaved families in Galkayo to pay respect to the fallen and renew the demand for justice. Additionally, SJS has released a documentary spotlighting Galkayo’s ceaseless anguish as journalists and their families confront these personal tragedies.
Hussein Abdi Jim’ale Madar, a dedicated Radio Daljir journalist, recounts the relentless nightmare and pain he endures after the assassination of three colleagues.
Hussein Abdi Jim’ale Madar, a journalist with Radio Daljir. | PHOTO/SJS.
“The hurt clings to me, I’m haunted. The memories of those three colleagues never fade. There was a moment I nearly hung up my pen for good, but I chose to soldier on. I implore the government to archive the deaths of all journalists and extend support to their kin,” Hussein Madar expressed with grit.
Commander of Galkayo police operations, Capt. Arab Abdirisaq Ahmed, informed SJS that despite continuing issues, there’s now a perceptible sense of increased safety for Galkayo journalists compared to a decade ago.
“Journalists and government functionaries alike faced deadly threats. Some murderers, affiliated with Al-Shabaab, were apprehended, sentenced, and met justice. Although far from perfect, the situation shows improvement compared to ten years ago,” Capt. Arab commented, citing strong collaboration between Puntland police in Galkayo and local media outlets.
He added that police are on high alert, responding swiftly to reports of threats against journalists, despite the constraints on their resources.
Since 2021, SJS has persistently invested in professional training to enhance the well-being and security of local journalists, both men and women, within Galkayo’s bounds. SJS feels encouraged that their efforts have contributed positively to journalists’ protection.
“Six years into our journey of chronicle attacks on Somali journalists, we revisit Galkayo—formed by its reputation as the second-most perilous city for journalists, after Mogadishu. Conversations and visits to past workplaces of fallen journalists revealed the lingering heartache felt by their peers and family,” shared SJS Secretary General Abdalle Mumin.
“Today, we intensify our demands to bring an end to impunity for all slain journalists in Somalia and to provide the restitution their families rightly deserve. Each journalist lost demands a meticulous and unbiased investigation, irrespective of whether government actors, al-Shabaab, or any other villains are involved,” Mr. Mumin emphasized.
Note: After years of diligent documentation, SJS extends gratitude to the National Endowment for Democracy, whose support enabled the creation of an online database dedicated to chronicling violations of media liberty in Somalia and North Western State of Somalia. Visit data.sjsyndicate.org.
