Statement from the UN Humanitarian and Resident Coordinator on the killing of Somali Journalist in Kismayo, Somalia
Members of civil society in Somalia – in particular the media – have been singled out for attack and assassination. It is with great dismay that I express today, on behalf of the United Nations and its partners working in Somalia, shock and disappointment that another Somali journalist was brutally murdered over the weekend. Nasteh Dahir Farah, was fatally shot on Saturday 7 June, by unknown gunmen. Mr. Farah had been working for the BBC and the Associated Press. He was also the vice chairman of the National Union of Somali Journalists.
Somalia is the Africa’s deadliest country for journalists and is the second-most dangerous place in the world for the media to work. Seven journalists were killed in 2007 and with the death of Mr Farah, nine have been killed in 2007-2008. He is the second reporter to be killed in Kismayo this year.
It’s a tribute to the dedication and courage of journalists such as Mr. Farah, that despite the fact that members of the media are frequently targeted, harassed, arrested and killed in Somalia, he continued his work. Sadly, his dedication cost him his life. We extend our condolences to his family, colleagues and the wider Somali civil society.
