Forum for Unity and Democracy Welcomes Release of Pirate Hostages

PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate Release)

Forum for Unity and Democracy Welcomes Release of Pirate Hostages

27th February 2015, Mogadishu, Somalia – The Forum for Unity and Democracy (FUD) welcomes the release of the last remaining crew members of FV Prantalay taken hostage nearly five years ago by Somali pirates.

“We welcome the release of the 4 crewmen and call for the release of the remaining 26 hostages held by pirates within our borders,” said Secretary General Ali Mohamed Mohamud adding that the Somali forces were doing “so much with so little to tackle the scourge of piracy.”

The Forum praised the relentless efforts of the Galmudug administration to secure the release as a commitment by Somali authorities to tackle piracy off the coast of Somalia.

“More importantly we want this to be a conversation about the root causes of piracy. Illegal, unregulated and unreported plunder of our marine resources and the illegal dumping of toxic waste continues unabated and unless this is addressed, impoverished men will be drawn to the allure of piracy,” said Mr. Mohamud.

The Forum has called for the enactment of requisite legislation to regulate the fishing sector and livelihood initiatives that support coastal communities as part of the anti-piracy initiatives.

“The support of the international community has been invaluable but we call on the government to play its role in leading and owning the initiative to tackle piracy and improve the lives of the communities ravaged by the scourge,” concluded Mr. Mohamud.

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About the FUD: The Forum for Unity and Democracy is the largest coalition of political parties and actors in Somalia committed to the realization of accountable, citizen-driven governance, constitutional reform and the return of decision-making back to the hands of the Somali people.

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