Barkhat Awale

Hurma Radio

August 24, 2010, in Mogadishu, Somalia

Awale, 60, director of the community station Hurma Radio, was on the roof of the station helping a technician fix a transmitter when he was struck in the abdomen by a stray bullet from nearby fighting, local journalists told CPJ. His colleagues took him to Madina Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Awale's death came during intense fighting between Al-Shabaab insurgents and African Union troops, local journalists told CPJ. Earlier that day, at least 33 people were killed when two suicide bombers detonated explosives at the Muna Hotel, near the presidential palace, according to a statement from Information Minister Abdirahman Omar.

Awale had worked in news media for 30 years and was director of Hurma Radio for the past four years, the National Union of Somali Journalists reported. Hurma Radio primarily covered social issues, local journalists told CPJ. The station, based in a government-controlled area, had been off the air recently due to technical problems.

Born in Borama, northern Somalia, Awale was survived by a wife and three children.

Medium: Radio

Job: Editor

Beats Covered: Culture, War

Gender: Male

Local or Foreign: Local

Freelance: No

Type of Death: Crossfire/Combat-Related

Suspected Source of Fire: Unknown Fire

Related Articles:

• Somali journalist killed in Mogadishu crossfire, August 24, 2010