Somalian-Canadian Activist Almaas Elman Killed in Mogadishu

Global Affairs Canada confirms Canadian fatally shot in Somali capital, offers sympathies to loved ones

The Canadian Press
Nov 20, 2019 8:09 PM ET

Almaas Elman takes a selfie this this photo posted to Twitter Sept. 13, 2016. Government officials say Elman was killed in a shooting in Somalia. (Twitter/@AlmaasElman)
The Somali government says a Somali-Canadian human rights activist and diplomat has been killed.

The Somali ministry of information says Almaas Elman was slain in the capital city of Mogadishu.

The government says in a tweet that it is investigating and will bring those responsible to justice.

Media reports in Somalia say she was shot in her vehicle while heading to the airport.

Global Affairs Canada said consular officials stand ready to provide support to Elman's family.

"Our deepest thoughts and sympathies are with the family and friends of the Canadian citizen who died in a shooting in Somalia," said Global Affairs spokesperson Angela Savard in an email to CBC.

Canadian consular officials in Nairobi, Kenya are in contact with local authorities to gather additional information.

Elman was involved with the Elman Centre for Peace and Human Rights in Mogadishu, a non-governmental agency founded by her family.

Her sister, Ilwad Elman, made international headlines in October when she was shortlisted for the Nobel Peace Prize for her work with the Elman Centre.