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National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ)

Two human rights defenders killed in Somalia

On 15 May 2007, journalists Abshir Ali Gabra and Ahmed Hassan were shot dead by unidentified gunmen when a convoy they were traveling in from Jowhar to Addale to broker peace between rival clans was ambushed  Read More

East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders conference

Press Statement

EHAHRDN Index: UGA 033/008/2006 (Public)

27th November 2006

KAMPALA: GOVERNMENTS IN THE EAST&HORN OF AFRICA MUST OBSERVE MEDIA FREEDOM-A CALL FOR REDRESS

As the year 2006 draws to its close, the human rights movement in the East and Horn of Africa continues to nurse the shocking reports relating to infringement on press freedom by governments and government agencies within the sub-region. This infringement is despite the fact that press freedom is recognized in national, regional and international legislation as a key factor in ensuring transparency and democratic governance.

From Djibouti and Eritrea to Ethiopia, from Kenya to Somalia and Somaliland, from Sudan including Southern Sudan to Tanzania and Uganda, journalists continue to be subjected to a wide range of violations including harassment, intimidation, banning of media houses or restriction of their activities, unlawful arrests, incommunicado detention, imprisonment on unclear charges, torture, ill-treatment and extra-judicial killings. Such is the misery inflicted on persons supposed to undertake the role of watchdogs of society to ensure due accountability in public offices.  Read More

Attack on human rights defenders’ car results in death

On 21 August 2006, gunmen killed the driver of a car carrying three members of the National Union of Somali journalists (NUSOJ) from the southern city of Baidoa to Mogadishu on 4 August.

Three gunmen killed Madey Garas in an ambush as he drove NUSOJ Secretary General Omar Faruk Osman, two other NUSOJ officials and their two bodyguards to the Somali capital.

The human rights defenders encountered a checkpoint manned by three armed men about 45 km from Baidoa – the seat of the weak interim Somali government. According to the human rights defenders, there is no recognized authority in the region so the car did not stop. As they passed the checkpoint, the NUSOJ bodyguards took out their guns and the three gunmen opened fired on the car; killing the driver immediately

NUSOJ official, Fahad Mohamed Abukar was slightly injured in the exchange of fire that ensued between the men at the checkpoint and the bodyguards. The three gunmen eventually fled.

The union officials had been on their way to a meeting with members of the Supreme Islamic Courts council. The supreme Islamic Courts Council controls Mogadishu and much of southern Somalia.  Read More

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