FESOJ Condemns Killing of Journalist Abshir Khalif in Kismayo, Calls for Investigation
Mogadishu, Somalia | March 9, 2026: The Federation of Somali Journalists (FESOJ) strongly condemns the killing of Somali journalist Abshir Khalif Shidane in Kismayo city, Jubbaland State, on Monday, March 2, 2026. According to initial reports, the 25-year-old journalist was allegedly shot and killed by a Jubbaland police officer.
Abshir Khalif Shidane was a camera journalist who had recently been working with Radio Waamo in Kismayo. Prior to that, he served with Jubbaland State Television, where he contributed to local media coverage and public information programming in the region.
According to media reports, the incident occurred after a police officer attempted to stop the journalist while he was driving toward the city center. During a press briefing, Captain Shukri Farah Duale, the Jubbaland Police Spokesperson, confirmed that the journalist was killed by a police officer. He stated that an argument reportedly took place between the journalist and the suspect prior to the shooting.
Authorities in Kismayo further indicated that the suspect fled the scene immediately after the incident but has since been arrested and is currently in police custody.
While the motive behind the shooting remains unclear, FESOJ calls on the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killing of Abshir Khalif Shidane. The Federation urges authorities to ensure accountability and that those responsible are brought to justice in accordance with the law.
This incident marks the first killing of a journalist in Somalia in 2026, in a country where impunity for crimes against journalists continues to remain a serious concern.
In March 2025, three journalists were killed in Somalia. One journalist working for a government radio station lost his life during clashes between the Somali National Army and Al Shabaab in Awdhegle district of Lower Shabelle region, while two other journalists were killed in a bomb explosion in the El Gaabta area of Mogadishu.
The killing of Abshir Khalif Shidane in Kismayo further heightens concerns about the safety and security of journalists working in Somalia, particularly at a time when attacks against media professionals frequently remain unresolved.
“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to Abshir’s family, colleagues, and loved ones during this difficult time,” said Farah Omar Nur, Secretary General of the Federation of Somali Journalists (FESOJ).
