Kampala, Uganda, February 19, 2007 – It is with profound dismay that the East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Network (EHAHRD-Net) has received information about the gruesome murder of a Somali journalist Ali Mohammed Omar (25). The demise of Omar is one among several deplorable incidents involving Somali journalists, making the country one of the most dangerous for media operations within the sub-region.

According to reports received from the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), a founding member organization of EHAHRD-Net, Omar was short in the head as he headed home from the town of Baidoa. At the time of his death, he was a presenter and technician at Radio Warsan, one the region's most independent radio stations.

“It is very sad indeed to see that journalists in Somalia continue to be the target of murder elements. There’s no society in contemporary world that can survive without these information agents and therefore, it must be the duty of the whole Somali community and indeed the international community, to ensure that journalists receive maximum security. Besides, the work of journalists is clearly highlighted in various international human rights instruments, leaving no room for compromise about observance of media freedom. As a Network, we demand that the Transitional Federal Government traces the perpetrators and brings to book,” says Hassan Shire Sheikh, Chairperson EHAHRDP/Net

APPEAL:

EHAHRD-Net appeals to the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) in Somalia to:

• Investigate into Omar’s murder and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book.
• Ta ke necessary measures to ensure adequate protection of journalists in appreciation of their constitutional obligation to gather and disseminate news and information
• All Network members across the sub-region should condemn this act of lawlessness and appeal to the Somali authorities to immediately cause redress.

Please send appeals to;

The Somali Charge d’Affaires in Kenya, asking for them to be forwarded to Somalia’s President, Col. Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed: TFG charge d’affaires, Mohamed Ali Nur, PO Box 623-00606, Jabavu Road, Hurlingham, Nairobi, Kenya

Email: mali@somaliembassy.co.ke

Salutation: Dear Sir

For further information, please contact

Tumusiime Kabwende Deo

Press Officer, +256-712-075721

Regional Coordination Office
EAST AND HORN OF AFRICA HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS PROJECT (EHAHRDP)
Human Rights House, Plot 1853, Lulume Rd., Nsambya
P.O. Box 11027 Kampala, Uganda
Phone: +256-41-510263(general)/ext.112  
           +256-41-267118(direct)
Fax: +256-41-267117
E-mail: ehahrdp@yahoo.ca, hshire@yorku.ca
Website: http://www.yorku.ca/crs/AHRDP/index.html