MOGADISHU, Somalia 3 March 2026 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) is deeply dismayed by the killing of local Somali journalist Abshir Khalif Shidane in Kismayo, Jubaland State, on the evening of Monday, 2 March 2026, by a Jubaland state police officer.
At around 7:30 PM local time, Abshir was driving from his home toward the city center when a Jubaland police officer attempted to stop him and immediately shot him, according to a local police source who spoke to SJS and eyewitness accounts.
Jubaland Police Spokesperson, Captain Shukri Farah Duale, also confirmed the killing of the journalist by a police officer during a press briefing, as reported by local media.
A local police photographic evidence shared with SJS shows that Abshir was shot once on the left side of his chest, with the bullet passing through his lungs and damaging the heart before exiting his back. Kismayo police have announced the arrest of the suspect, who fled the scene after the shooting and is now in custody.
The police spokesperson, Captain Shukri Farah Duale, stated that an argument occurred between Abshir and the suspect prior to the shooting.
Abshir, 25, was a camerajournalist and had recently worked for the Kismayo-based Radio Waamo. Previously, he had worked for Jubaland State TV.
SJS had not documented any prior threats related to Abshir’s work.
The motive for the shooting remains unclear, according to police. However, SJS calls for a thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances that led to Abshir’s death.
This is the first killing of a journalist in Somalia in 2026, a country where impunity for crimes against journalists remains a serious concern. Last year alone, two journalists were killed: one targeted by an Al-Shabaab bombing, and another shot dead by a lone gunman in Mogadishu.
“The killing of journalist Abshir Khalif Shidane in Kismayo is a tragic attack that heightens our concern for the safety of journalists working in Somalia, especially at a time when attacks on media workers often go uninvestigated,” said SJS Secretary General, Abdalle Mumin. “Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to Abshir’s family, colleagues, and loved ones during this difficult time. Last night, I spoke with SJS colleagues who worked with Abshir few days ago, and they shared with me his professionalism, dedication, and deep love for journalism which makes me even more saddened by his tragic loss.”
“We call on the Jubaland authorities to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation and justice must be served for Abshir’s family. Authorities must ensure that journalists can carry out their work without fear of violence or intimidation whether in Mogadishu or in the regional states,” added Mr. Mumin.