Somalia: UN envoy denounces killing of journalist, stresses need for media safety

The top United Nations envoy in Somalia condemned the killing on Saturday of radio journalist Yusuf Keynan in the capital, Mogadishu, and urged that the perpetrators of the crime be brought to justice.

Mr. Keynan, who was working for Radio Mustaqbal and Radio Ergo at the time of his death, was killed when an explosive device attached to his vehicle detonated in the city's Hamarweyne District.

“I condemn the killing of another young, talented Somali journalist, and call on the Federal Government of Somalia to act swiftly to investigate this murder and bring the perpetrators to justice,” said Nicholas Kay, the Secretary-General's Special Representative and head of the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM).

“Media workers must be able to conduct their important work in a safe and secure environment,” he added in a news release.

Mr. Kay extended his sincere condolences to Mr. Keynan's friends and family, as well as to Somalia's media fraternity.