MOGADISHU, Somalia, 26 May 2025 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) strongly condemns the killing of Abdifatah Abdi Osman, widely known as Arab, a media worker for Astaan TV, a privately-owned cable network in Mogadishu.
Arab who was a television technician was shot dead by a gunman on the morning of Sunday, 25 May 2025.
According to colleagues, Arab was on his way to work at Astaan TV’s headquarters in Mogadishu’s Hodan district when he was shot by a security guard at a nearby private hotel apartment.
Arab was riding his motorbike when the incident occurred. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival, a director at the station told SJS.
SJS has learned that the police have arrested a middle-aged suspect believed to be the gunman. An investigation is ongoing, according to the police.
SJS strongly condemns the killing of Abdifatah Abdi Osman (Arab), a dedicated media worker. Astaan TV staff have previously faced threats from various actors. The station, known for its entertainment and sports programming, reaches millions of households in Mogadishu and across other regions.
“We send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Abdifatah Abdi Osman (Arab), who was shot dead in Mogadishu on Sunday while heading to his workplace. We strongly condemn this killing. Violence has no justification in any form,” said Abdalle Mumin, the SJS Secretary-General.
“We are aware that police in Hodan district have announced the arrest of a suspect. We call for an urgent, transparent, and thorough investigation. Arab’s family deserves full justice,” Mr. Mumin added.
Arab, who was approximately 38 years old, is survived by his wife and young son. In addition to his work in media, he was also a respected footballer in Mogadishu.