IFJ Condemns Shooting of Journalist in Somalia

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today condemned the shooting of journalist Abdikheyr Mohammed Jama who was attacked on Thursday on his way home from work at Radio Galkayo in Puntland in Northeast Somalia.

“This shooting is part of the wave of attacks against Somali journalists that has wreaked havoc on the media there for months,” said Gabriel Baglo, Director of the IFJ Africa office. “Nine journalists died in Somalia last year—eight of those in targeted attacks—and still the threats and violence against our colleagues continue.”

Jama, a presenter and a technician at Radio Galkayo, was attacked after leaving the radio station by four armed men who opened fire on him. He was shot in the mouth and is currently in stable but critical condition in Galkayo hospital.

The motive behind this targeted attack remains unknown, but Radio Galkayo journalists have been receiving anonymous threats in the recent days, the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) said. Politically moved clan militias have reportedly been creating insecurity to challenge Puntland President Mohamud Muse Hersi, General Adde Muse.

The IFJ is backing NUSOJ in its call for an investigation into the shooting to bring those responsible to justice.

For further information contact the IFJ: +221 33 842 01 43
The IFJ represents over 600,000 journalists in 120 countries