Investigation Underway into Death of Ethiopian Diplomat in Somalia

LAS ANOD, Somalia - Officials in the SSC-Khaatumo state are investigating the death of Farah Aydiid Jama, an Ethiopian consular working in Garowe, the capital of Puntland state in northeastern Somalia, who is believed to have been killed by Al-Shabaab militants.

The officials claim Farah was killed on Sunday, according to reports documented by authorities in the breakaway state of Somaliland. Both Somaliland and Puntland are fighting for control of the SSC-Khaatumo territories.

Documents available to the media suggest that Farah was designated as an Ethiopian consulate, working as a community coordinator for Ethiopian citizens within Puntland. Puntland and Ethiopia work closely through existing ties.

The documents, signed by Yidnekachew Tekele, Chargé d’affaires, stated his mission was to “coordinate and support Ethiopians, because of the current conditions, at border areas and report back to the consulate.” Addis Standard did not verify the authenticity of the letter

So far, Ethiopia's Foreign Affairs ministry has yet to confirm the tragedy, and neither have Ethiopian officials in Garowe confirmed it. The Eastern Sool authorities have not released a full statement on the matter, either, and investigations into the assassination are ongoing.

Abdullahi Hirsi, the Attorney General of Eastern Sool, said Farah was killed by unidentified gunmen within Las Anod, the capital of SSC-Khatumo. However, he said the killers have links to Al-Shabaab but have yet to be arrested.

According to the Attorney General, Farah was abducted from his residence in Las Anod, “brutally tortured, and then executed”. His body, bearing severe signs of physical abuse, was discovered dumped in the Ceelka Goojacade valley on the outskirts of the city, Addis Standard reports.

“He was badly beaten and then shot. His body shows signs of torture,” Horn Diplomat quoted the Attorney General Avv Cabdillaahi as saying. Ethiopia and Puntland work closely on matters of trade, foreign affairs, and commerce.

The SSC-Khaatumo, which has since been recognised as a federal state, is expected to give reports regarding the unfortunate death. If the involvement of Al-Shabaab is confirmed, this would be the first high-profile murder pitting the group, whose presence in northern Somalia is negligible.

GAROWE ONLINE