On August 24th and 25th, 2007 in Ottawa and Toronto, Somali communities, non-governmental agencies, Canadian government representatives, diplomats, journalists, media outlets and other dignitaries attended memorial services for Ali Iman Sharmarke and Mahad Ahmed Elmi. Many of the participants spoke of the memories of the late journalists and paid tribute to their unforgettable milestones in Somalia.
Ottawa: Memorial Service
Many of the attendees have recognized that they have learned a lot more about Ali Sharmarke’s vision and goals now than before and reiterated their support for hornAfrik’s mission.
It was highlighted during the ceremonies the importance of continuing the voice of the free speech in Somalia and they urged the torch of the media to be on.
Guest speakers demanded from the Canadian government and the international communities to play their rightful role to investigate the crimes against the innocent journalists. It was also announced in those ceremonies that the Canadian government opened an official investigation file for this case.
Toronto Memorial Service
The The people of Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, Canada has awarded a beautiful and creative weaved Fabric Peace Banner in memory of HornAfrik's late journalists.
“The SAORI way is to weave friendships as we weave fabric. SAORI bridges differences between people, and celebrates both our variety and our common humanity.”
Also, HornAfrik managemnt announced on those ceremonies that the Center for Media Training and Development will be named after Ali Iman Sharmarke, which resulted a standing ovation.