FEAJ Condemns Killing of Somali Journalist, Demands Immediate Action and Justice

 

President of the Federation of Eastern Africa Journalists (FEAJ) Erick Odour

**By MAIPAC Reporter, Tanzania**

maipacarusha20@gmail.com 

The Federation of Eastern Africa Journalists (FEAJ) has strongly condemned the killing of **Bashir Mohamed Abdullahi**, a 23-year-old reporter with **Arlaadi Media Network**, who died in the early hours of Monday, September 7, 2026, after succumbing to gunshot injuries sustained in Baidoa on September 3.

FEAJ President **Erick Odour** condemned the killing as a blatant attack on press freedom and called for an immediate, impartial investigation to identify and bring those responsible to justice.

> “The perpetrators must not escape the wheels of justice. We call on the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. We also urge journalists in Somalia to remain firm in defending press freedom and to stand in solidarity with Bashir’s family and colleagues during this difficult time,” Odour said.

According to information provided by FEAJ affiliate **National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ)**, Bashir was at his home in the Al-Ahmaar neighbourhood, north of Baidoa, on September 3 when fighting broke out between government forces and militias loyal to **Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed (Laftagareen)**, the former South West State leader.

After noticing unidentified armed personnel moving around his neighbourhood, Bashir contacted his director and was advised to remain indoors until the situation became safer.

However, Bashir later left his home to carry out his journalistic duties. He was reportedly stopped by unidentified armed men wearing uniforms and covering their faces. After questioning him, the men allegedly shot him twice in the back, leaving him critically wounded.

He was rushed to **Bay General Hospital**, where doctors performed emergency surgery.

Following the attack, NUSOJ closely monitored Bashir’s condition and remained in contact with his colleagues while efforts were made to secure specialized medical treatment. Arrangements had been made to transfer him from Baidoa to Mogadishu on Monday morning, September 7, for further treatment.

Sadly, before the transfer could take place, Bashir’s condition deteriorated and he died from his injuries in the early hours of Monday.

“Bashir’s death cannot be allowed to pass like so many previous attacks on journalists. We have had enough messages of condolence without justice,” FEAJ said.

The federation stressed that what is needed now is accountability and clear answers.

“Bashir was a young journalist with a promising future ahead of him, and that future has been taken away. Who killed him? Why was he targeted? And who will be held responsible? When attacks against journalists go unpunished, it creates an environment in which the next attack becomes easier,” FEAJ said.

NUSOJ Secretary General **Omar Faruk Osman** also condemned the killing and called for an end to the persistent impunity surrounding attacks against journalists in Somalia.

“This chronic impunity has to end. Bashir’s family deserves justice, and so does every Somali journalist who goes out to do their job with the simple expectation that they will return home safely,” Osman said.

Bashir’s killing is a painful reminder of the serious risks faced by journalists in Baidoa and other parts of Somalia, particularly during armed confrontations and periods of political instability.

FEAJ emphasised that journalists are civilians carrying out legitimate professional duties and must be protected under international humanitarian and human rights standards. All armed forces and armed groups have an obligation to respect the safety and independence of journalists and must never target, threaten, detain, intimidate or attack them because they are reporting on matters of public interest.

FEAJ therefore calls on the relevant authorities in Somalia to:

* Conduct an **immediate, independent and transparent investigation** into Bashir’s killing.

* Identify and prosecute all those responsible for the attack.

* Ensure that journalists and media workers are protected while carrying out their professional duties.

* Take concrete measures to end the culture of impunity surrounding attacks against journalists.

* Guarantee that journalists can report freely and safely, particularly in areas affected by armed conflict.

FEAJ extends its deepest condolences to Bashir Mohamed Abdullahi’s family, colleagues at Arlaadi Media Network, the Somali journalism fraternity and the wider media community.

**End**