IFJ mourns killing of two journalists in Mogadishu
The International Federation of Journalists and its affiliate in Somalia, the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), have condemned the terror attack on a hotel in Mogadishu, in which at least 13 people, including two journalists were killed.
Abdihakin Mohamed Omar, producer for Somali Broadcasting Corporation (SBC), and Mohamed Abdikarim Moallim Adam, reporter for Universal TV in Gedo region were killed on 26 July when a car packed with explosives drove into a Mogadishu hotel and exploded. Universal TV reporter Salman Jamal, who accompanied the 2 killed journalists, was seriously injured.
The attack targeted the Jazeera Palace Hotel, located near the airport and home of the diplomatic missions of China, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it was a response to shelling by African Union forces and Somali National Army on Al-Shabaab centres.
According to NUSOJ, the three journalists were passing the front of the hotel from the airport when the attack happened. The two journalists who were killed came from Gedo region in south west Somalia. Abdihakim Mohamed Omar, 43 and father of 10, was in Luq town of Gedo region to visit his family. Mohamed Abdikarim Moallim Adam, 27 and father of 3, was based in Gedo. Salman Jamal had gone to the airport to meet his colleagues.
Omar Faruk Osman, NUSOJ secretary general, said:”We condemn this barbaric act which has claimed so many innocent lives, including that of two working journalists.
”This is tragic news, the nation’s journalistic community is deeply saddened by the death of journalists Abdihakin Mohamed Omar and Mohamed Abdirakim Moallim Adam in the senseless attack, and we extend our condolences to these killed journalists’ family and friends, and wish Salman immediate recovery,” said Osman.
Jim Boumelha, IFJ president, said: “We are shocked by this tragic loss that affects the journalists community in Somalia. We send our condolences to our killed colleagues’ family and friends and condemn this cruel attack on civilians.”
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