Another Somali journalist killed in Shabaab attack
Somali Journalist Abdifitah Nur aka Qeys, who was the Director of Somali Cable TV's office in Mogadishu. He was killed in a suicide attack at a restaurant in Mogadishu on Monday night.
Somalia lost another journalist on Tuesday as Abdifatah Moallim Nur became the latest victim of an extremist attack claimed by local militants al-Shabaab.
Nur, known locally as Qeys, was caught in a huge explosion a few minutes after 9pm on Monday as he patronised the Blue Sky restaurant in Mogadishu.
The restaurant is a popular hangout for many journalists and young people in the Somali capital.
A police statement said Qeys, who was the director of the Mogadishu branch of a popular independent Somali Cable TV, was the victim of a suicide bombing.
Four other people were seriously wounded in the attack, police said.
A widely known and respected journalist in Mogadishu, Qeys was one of the first media professionals to run Hurmo Radio, formerly known as the 'Voice of Somali Civil Society', which operated under the Peace and Human Rights Network (PHRN or Somali INXA) in Somalia.
He later moved up the media ladder, working for various stations before joining Somali Cable TV.
The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), a local press freedom advocacy group, described Qeys as a journalist who maintained his professionalism in the face of threats to the media.
Inspired countless young journalists
His death, the union said, "has left an indelible mark on Somali journalism and inspired countless young journalists to strive for excellence".
“We stand united in denouncing this monstrous act and extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Abdifatah Moalim Nur. His untimely demise leaves an irreplaceable void in Somali journalism, and his loss will be deeply felt by all who cherish the pursuit of truth,” said Omar Faruk Osman, the Secretary General of NUSOJ.
“Abdifatah’s tragic passing is a devastating blow to Somali journalists. He was a dedicated journalist who fearlessly pursued and upheld the principles of free and independent media.”
Witnesses said Qeys was the victim of a suicide bomber who was sitting next to his table.
Burhan Dini Farah, the director of Kulmiye Radio, one of the city's most popular private stations, was in a block next to the restaurant.
“I was overwhelmed when I saw the badly injured body of Abdifatah Qeys,” said Farah, describing the journalist as usually polite.
Qeys was rushed to Erdogan Hospital in Mogadishu where he was pronounced dead. His body was transferred to Medina Referral Hospital where burial is to take place.
Somalia is one of Africa’s most dangerous places to work as a journalist. At least 50 journalists have been killed since 2010 and dozens of others seriously wounded in targeted incidents. According to Reporters Without Borders (RSF), a Paris-based press freedom lobby, the country ranks 140 out of 180 countries polled around the world on press freedom which often includes safety to work as a journalist and access to information.
