MOGADISHU: 13/5/2017. Somali Disability Empowerment Network (SODEN) team are shocked to hear about the killing of Ali Osman one of the Somali disabled elders who was one the only disabled electoral delegates who participated Galmududg state elections while representing his clan, Mr Osman was physically disabled man who uses a crutches and he was prominent elder in his community.
In the early of this week, Mr. Osman has been shot dead by unknown two men who were armed and run away soon after they killed him while he was walking to reach his home in Mogadishu. Such this actions are not rare in Mogadishu Somalia but the concern that SODEN has is how they made their target on such disabled person simply because he practised his right to vote in the election.
It’s not the first time, in 2015 Mr.Okun who was also disabled activist was shot dead in Dhargeynley district Banaadir region by unknown armed men after he organised a number of advocacy meetings conferences and press releases while talking about disability rights issues.
Somalia is one of the most dangerous places for human rights defenders, journalists, lawyers and civil society activists. The terrorist group Al-Shabab has sentenced all those who either working with government or foreigners to death. According to the group, these people are considered to be working on western-driven agenda and therefore should be killed on sight.
SODEN is condemning the killing of Mr Osman in the strongest possible terms, our heartfelt condolences are with his family and all those loved ones he left behind. We demand the Somali government to take action against the merciless culprits who took out the life of disabled man, a father, a voice and influential member of the community.
SODEN would also like to bring the attention of the international community to the plight suffering the disabled communities in Somalia. Already affected by stigma, discrimination and inadequate accessibility services, the disabled community is now targeted for exercising their freedom of expression and advocating for their own rights. Rights denied to the rest of the community.
For more information please contact Mohamed Farah info@somalidisability.org or call +256774746323 Kampala Uganda
Mohamed A. Farah
Chairman
Somali Disability Empowerment Network (SODEN)
Skype: sodden.som
Mr. Osman The late disabled man
