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The International Press Institute (IPI) has strongly condemned the murder of Somali-Swedish journalist Amun Abdullahi Mohamed, who was shot dead on October 18, 2024, by two gunmen reportedly linked to the militant group Al-Shabab. Mohamed, a prominent investigative journalist, was known for her fearless reporting on extremism and Al-Shabab’s activities. Her death is the second killing of a journalist in Somalia this year, following the March 13 killing of Abdikarin Ahmed Bulhan, a journalist from Somali National Television.
Amun Mohamed’s Investigative Journalism Legacy
Amun Abdullahi Mohamed gained recognition for her investigative work, which exposed extremist activities both in Somalia and Sweden. After seeking asylum in Sweden in 1992, Mohamed worked with Radio Sweden’s Somali language department, where she investigated Al-Shabab’s recruitment operations. Her 2009 investigation, which revealed how the terror group recruited young people from Stockholm, earned her widespread attention and threats from extremists.
Despite the risks, Mohamed’s commitment to truth and her investigations into Al-Shabab earned her prestigious awards, including the Publicist Club’s Freedom of Speech Award and a nomination for Sweden’s Guldspaden journalism award in 2010.
Amun Murdered in a Region Struggling with Al-Shabab Violence
The murder of Amun Mohamed took place in the Afgoye district, located 40 km southwest of Mogadishu. This area has been known for its frequent attacks by Al-Shabab militants. Although the authorities have initiated an investigation, no arrests have been made, and there have been no significant updates on the case as of this publication.
The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) has reported that at least five journalists have been killed in the Lower Shabelle region between 2009 and 2024, with little progress in holding perpetrators accountable. Mohamed’s murder has raised concerns about the growing threat to media freedom in Somalia and the culture of impunity surrounding crimes against journalists.
IPI Calls for Justice and Accountability
IPI’s Advocacy and Partnership Lead, Nompilo Simanje, demanded a thorough and independent investigation into Mohamed’s killing. “Failure to finalize the investigation and prosecute the perpetrators creates a dangerous environment for media freedom in the country and a culture of impunity,” Simanje said in a statement. The IPI continues to call for an end to the harassment, threats, and violence faced by journalists in Somalia, from both the government and extremist groups.
The killing of Mohamed highlights the ongoing risks faced by journalists in Somalia, where media workers continue to be targeted for their independent journalism and critical reporting on government activities and extremist groups.
Press Freedom in Somalia: A Dangerous Reality
Somalia remains one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists. The lack of accountability for crimes against media professionals only exacerbates the challenges faced by those trying to report the truth. Journalists are routinely subjected to threats, physical assault, and arbitrary arrests by both Al-Shabab militants and government authorities. The murder of Mohamed underscores the dangers of working in such an environment.