For Immediate Release
January 7, 2007
We are united in demanding the immediate and unconditional release of the kidnapped and imprisoned Mukhtar Hussein Afrah, who is the Commander of the Somalia Transitional Federal Government (STFG) forces for the Regions of Hiiraan & Middle Shabelle.
Col. Afrah was fulfilling his duties consistent with the decision of the Hiiran Regional Authority when we was kidnapped, imprisoned, and unlawfully taken to another part of
Unless TFG sanctioned such unlawful actions, the occupying Ethiopian forces would not have imprisoned, and taken Col. Afrah to another part of the country.
We hold both the TFG and Ethiopian government responsible for any harm suffered by Col. Afrah.
No cause toward lasting peace can be advanced by Ethiopian forces’ exercise of authoritarian powers over
If this matter is left unattended, the occupying Ethiopian forces and its ally, TFG, should not expect the peace loving communities in Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle to trust them.
We ask the Ethiopian government and TFG to show mercy and compassion by releasing Col. Afrah so that he may return to his family and continue to serve his country and his people.
We urge the leadership of Hiiran and Middle Shabelle regions to send a delegation to the capital city,