On 2 March 2026, Abshir Khalif Shide Omar, a broadcast journalist, was shot dead at approximately 19:30 in Kismayo following a short altercation with a police officer. According to initial enquiries by the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), Abshir had been returning from an Iftar gathering with fellow journalists where they had been editing a programme featuring politicians that was recorded earlier. He had also recorded a voiceover for the video, which was scheduled for release later that night. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and the full circumstances surrounding the incident are yet to be determined. The Jubbaland Police confirmed that the officer responsible has been arrested and will face investigation and prosecution.

Abshir had been working as a freelance journalist for the past three months and was previously affiliated with Jubbaland TV, Wamo Radio and Hornconnect. His killing is believed to be the first reported death of a journalist in Somalia in 2026, marking a serious setback for press freedom and journalist safety in the country.