IFJ Mourns the Death of Somali Journalist

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today condemned the death of journalist Mohammed Abdullahi Khalif, shot while on assignment in Puntland, north-eastern Somalia on Saturday, 5 May.

“We express our solidarity with Mohamed’s family and colleagues,” said Gabriel Baglo, Director of IFJ Africa office. “Somalia is the most dangerous place for journalists in Africa.”

According to the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) Mohammed Abdullahi Khalif, a journalist with Radio Voice of Peace was covering a story at the Arms Market in Galkayo when the Puntland army arrived to retrieve guns which had been stolen from their barracks. A gun battle broke out and Mohammed was caught in the cross-fire between the soldiers and the arms traders.

"This was an avoidable tragedy," added Baglo. “Journalists and employers need to take proper measures to ensure that journalists are fully prepared for potentially lethal assignments.”

Mohammed Abdullahi Khalif is the second journalist killed in Somalia this year. In February, the journalist Ali Mohammed Omar was shot in Baidoa by unknown men.

The IFJ called the Somali Transitional Federal Government (TFG) to investigate the death of Mohammed and the other journalists killed in Somalia and to take measures to improve journalists safety.

For further information contact the IFJ: +221 842 01 43

The IFJ represents over 500,000 journalists in more than 115 countries