The African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX) condemns the murder of journalist Said Yusuf Ali, of privately-owned Kalsan TV in Mogadishu, Somalia.
On May 4, 2020, an unknown man attacked the journalist in a neighborhood in Mogadishu’s Hodan district. According to the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS), the armed man stabbed Said Yusuf Ali about four times. Ali reportedly died on the spot.
The director of Kalsan TV Mowlid Mohamed Urur, reported after the incident that that the Ali had earlier on in the day “covered a story on the murder of a school teacher in Afgoye on Monday before he left the TV to his home at 2.pm”.
It is not clear if Ali’s murder was in connection with the last story he covered, however, police have told the media that they have arrested a suspect in connection with the murder are currently holding him at the offices of Criminal Investigation Department.
The killing of Ali adds to the tall list of journalists and media workers who have been killed in the country. Sadly most of the murders have not been resolved.
AFEX is deeply worried about the continuous attacks on journalists in Somalia and calls authorities in the country to ensure that prompt investigations are conducted and justice served. We are also call on the authorities to urgently put in place measures to protect journalists in the country.
