Somalia’s Govt, EU condemn killing of Peace activist in Mogadishu

MOGADISHU, Somalia – The Federal Government of Somalia and EU mission are condemning the killing of Peace and Human Rights activist in Mogadishu’s heavily protested AU military base on Wednesday, Garowe Online reports.

In a statement, the country’s ministry of information said police are working around the clock to arrest and bring swift justice to the people responsible for the death of Somali Canadian activist Almaas Elman.

She has been working with the Elman Centre for Peace and Human Rights, founded by her father Elman Ali, who himself was killed in 1996 in Mogadishu for his mission "Put the gun and take the Pen" during the bloody civil war.

Somali security officials said the young activist was gunned down in the Halane compound, which houses AMISOM, UN, US, EU missions and International agencies after her vehicle was shot at while heading to the next airport.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the “shocking” assassination and it’s unclear whether the killing was related to her advocacy and commitment of peace and human rights.

She also served as a diplomat with the Somali Embassy in Nairobi 2016-2017. Just hours before her death, Elman has participated in a resilience program meeting hosted by the EU mission in Mogadishu, according to her co-workers.

The EU Ambassador to Somalia, Nicolas Berlanga has slammed the murder of the young advocate.

“EU family in Somalia is deeply saddened by the tragic death of Almaas Elman. We had been blessed by her energy for the last months. Her memory will be with us. Her family knows our solidarity and encouragement towards implementing Almaas’ dreams,” said Berlanga.

For years, Human rights, women's rights, aid workers and political activists, as well as journalists in Somalia, have been the target of assassination, abduction, death threats and intimidation due to the insecurity in the capital.

GAROWE ONLINE