Somalia: Journalist Dies From Gunshot Injuries, NUSOJ Demands Justice and Accountability

What the report says

Somalia’s National Union of Somali Journalists said reporter Bashir Mohamed Abdullahi of Arlaadi Media Network died early on 7 September after being wounded in a shooting in Baidoa on 3 September, according to the report distributed by AllAfrica from Shabelle Media Network. He was 23. The account says the attack took place in the Al-Ahmaar neighborhood north of Baidoa, where fighting had broken out between government forces and militias loyal to former South West State leader Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed, also known as Laftagareen.

According to the article, Bashir first contacted his employer after noticing unidentified armed personnel in his area and was told to stay indoors. He later left home to continue reporting, but was stopped by masked men in uniform who questioned him and then shot him twice in the back. He was taken to Bay General Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery. Plans had been made to move him to Mogadishu for more specialized treatment, but his condition worsened before the transfer could happen.

NUSOJ called for justice and accountability, saying the killing should not be treated as another unresolved attack on a journalist. The union said the case highlights the risks reporters face in Somalia, especially when armed clashes occur, and urged armed actors to protect journalists rather than target them. The article says Bashir was the first journalist killed in Somalia this year, underscoring continuing concerns about impunity and press safety in the country.