The IPI global network strongly condemns the killing this week of Somali journalist Abshir Khalif Shidane – the latest incident of violence against the press carried out by Somali security forces, which also includes the detention and reported torture of another journalist. Somali authorities must conduct thorough and independent investigations that lead to accountability in these and all other attacks on journalists.
On the evening of March 2, Shidane, 25, was killed by a police officer in Kismayo, Jubaland State. The officer drew his weapon and fired a lethal shot at Shidane following a brief argument at a checkpoint. He has since been arrested, and investigations are ongoing.
Shidane’s is the first reported killing of a journalist in Somalia this year. Dozens of journalists have been killed in Somalia since 2010, and impunity for these and other attacks on the press is widespread.
“IPI strongly condemns the shooting of Abshir Khalif Shidane, and we join the media community in Somalia in mourning his death. While we welcome the initial arrest in this case, we call on Somali authorities to carry out a full investigation into this case that leads to meaningful accountability,” IPI Director of Advocacy Amy Brouillette said.
In a separate incident, Somali Cable TV journalist Abdihafid Nur Barre was detained by Somali National Army officers in Mogadishu on February 24. Barre’s detention is believed to be linked to a publication on the dismissal of four commanders of the Gorgor Forces who objected to orders to reduce the allowances of injured or sick officers. The posts in question are no longer available online.
According to the Somali Journalists Syndicate, Barre was held at a military base in Mogadishu before being released on the evening of February 25. SJS has said that Barre was tortured and threatened with reprisal if he reported on the military again.
“The attacks and violence perpetrated by Somali security forces against journalists, including the detention of Abdihafid Nur Barre, are appalling. Somali authorities must ensure an end to violence and intimidation against journalists as well as an end to the impunity that further endangers journalist safety and the public’s right to information.”
Speaking to IPI, SJS Secretary General Abdalle Mumin, highlighted the crisis of impunity and underscored that journalists in Somalia operate in a state of fear, and often choose to self-censor for their own safety and security.
Between July and December 2025, IPI recorded at least 18 press freedom violations in Somalia, the second highest in Africa after the Democratic Republic of Congo.