UN Special Representative for Somalia statement on killing of Radio Director

MOGADISHU, Somalia, February 29, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia, Dr. Augustine P. Mahiga condemns in the strongest terms the murder of Abukar Mohamed Kadaf, Director of Somaliweyn Radio, who was shot dead last night in Wadajir district of Mogadishu.

"I call for the Transitional Federal Government to conduct an immediate, full and independent investigation in order to bring the perpetrators to justice.”

SRSG Mahiga sends his deepest condolences to the family and friends of the victim and

to the community of Somali media professionals who have lost two senior colleagues in

the last month (the Director of Radio Shabelle, Hassan Osman Abdi was shot dead on 28

January).

“I pay tribute to the brave Somali journalists who are working in incredibly difficult

conditions to keep the pressure on these criminal elements trying to intimidate the Somali

population. I call on all those defending the fundamental right to freedom of expression

not to be deterred by these cowardly acts of terrorism”, SRSG Mahiga said.

Somalia remains one of the most dangerous places in the world for media professionals.

“The Transitional Federal Institutions must redouble their efforts to end the culture of

impunity and halt this unacceptable cycle of violence. The UN Political Office for

Somalia stands ready to assist however possible in this regard”, SRSG Mahiga added.