The IFJ Condemns the Killings of Two Journalists in Mogadishu

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today vigorously condemned the killings on 12 August 2012 in Mogadishu (Somalia) of Mohamud Ali Keyre (Buneyste) a freelance journalist, and Yusuf Ali Osman, a veteran Journalist and director of Programme at the Ministry of Information, Posts and Telecommunications.

 

“These Serial Killings of journalists have made a bad name of the Somalia as the most deadly country in Africa. The security of journalists in the course of their work is more important than ever before in Somalia. We call on authorities to seriously trace the killers and put an end to this criminal activity,” said Gabriel Baglo IFJ Africa Director.

According to National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), an IFJ affiliate, Keyre, a freelance journalist, was murdered on the evening of 12 August 2012 after being struck in the head by a bullet. The journalist was rushed to hospital where he was declared dead.

“Somali authorities must act quickly to determine the motive and apprehend those responsible for this brutal murder,” said Omar Faruk Osman, NUSOJ Secretary-General. “We call attention to the very high levels of impunity that criminals face in Somalia, and demand that authorities not allow yet another case to slip away unpunished,” added Osman.

Mohamud Ali Keyre, 23, worked for Mogadishu-based Radio Voice of Democracy (VOD) before fleeing to Nairobi after he reportedly received death threats, according to his family. He was also contributor to online media. Keyre recently came back from Nairobi due to improvement of the security situation in Mogadishu.

Earlier in the morning, three unknown gunmen shot to death Yusuf Ali Osman, a veteran journalist and director of Programme, at the Ministry of Information, Posts and Telecommunication. He was shot several times on the head on Sunday morning by 7:00am local time, in Mogadishu Dharkenley district near a garage where he parked his car.

The murder of the two journalists happened in separate incidents in Mogadishu. The IFJ mourns the death of the journalists and extends its condolences to the families.

IFJ is deeply concerned that the International Community, particularly the UN Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS), had again been unable to take collective and concrete action to put an end to the appalling safety crisis against Somali journalists.

“It is time to act. Words from UNPOS and other members of international community are not enough. The international community is responsible to act without further delay and those responsible must be held accountable,” said Baglo.

 For more information contact the IFJ: 221 33 867 95 86/87

The IFJ represents more than 600.000 journalists in 134 countries