A popular Somali comedian and playwright who mocked Islamist militants for brainwashing children and killing civilians has been shot dead.

The 43-year-old TV and radio comedian Abdi Jeylani Malaq, was killed today by two young men near his Mogadishu home.

Abdi Muridi Dhere, a colleague, said Malaq’s death is heartbreaking. He said the killing has sent Mogadishu back to the “dark days.”

Seven journalists have been killed in Somalia this year in what appear to be targeted killings. Mr Dhere says the government needs to provide better security.

The human rights group Amnesty International has demanded that Somali authorities and the international community take action to re-establish the rule of law in Somalia following the killing of the Somali comedian.