Nairobi, 12 August 2009 – The UN Special Representative for Somalia, Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah, today welcomed the release of the four Aid workers and their two pilots from captivity in Somalia.
"It is with great satisfaction that I received the news concerning the release of the six hostages who had been held for so long, and taken into captivity while working in Somalia for Action Contre La Faim [Action Against Hunger]," Mr Ould-Abdallah said. "I salute their courage in the face of such physically and emotionally difficult circumstances and I am pleased that an end has come to the concerns and worries endured by their loved ones."
"We should not, however, forget the number of Somalis and foreign nationals that are still being held hostage in unacceptable conditions, an action that should be vehemently condemned by the Somalis and the international community," he said.
"I appeal to all Somalis who, in any way, may be influential in freeing the remaining prisoners," Mr. Ould-Abdallah said, "not only because it is the right thing to do, but also to disassociate the Somali name and reputation from the bad practices of hostage-taking."
"I hope that as the Holy month of Ramadan approaches, this appeal will be heard and acted on," he said.