The head of the United Nations culture organisation has deplored the attack by al-Qaeda linked militants in Kismayo, southern Somalia, that killed dozens of people including prominent those of journalist Hodan Nalayeh and TV reporter Mohamed Sahal Omar earlier this month.
“I condemn the violence that killed Hodan Nalayeh and Mohamed Sahal Omar,” said Unesco director-general Audrey Azoulay.
“There can be no justification for the killing of civilians, including journalists who play an essential role in upholding informed democratic choices and rule of law.”
Hodan Nalayeh, a Somali-Canadian had recently founded the Integration TV YouTube channel which sought to present positive stories about Somalia. Mohamed Sahal Omar was a reporter for local SBC TV in Kismayo.
Both newsmen died in the assault on a hotel in Kismayo on 12 July where elders and local politicians were meeting.
Al-linked Somali Islamist group al-Shabab claimed the attack, in which Somali authorities said at least 33 people died and 56 were injured.
