$15 million ransom demand for Danish hostages; local Elders demand their release
Following unconfirmed reports of negotiations being underway between the family of the Danish hostages, kidnapped on February 24 on their yacht, ING, and Somali pirates, a report via Somalia Report, states that Puntland traditional elders have demanded the immediate release of the Danish family and crew who are being held hostages by Somali pirates in the Bari region.
Garaad Abdullahi Ali Iid, the spokesman of the traditional elders, who spoke to Somalia Report while in Garowe, has demanded the release of the Danish people unconditionally, and urged the pirates to heed the many calls from the local and international community.
“The pirates should release the Danish in regard to Denmark’s endless support to Somali people, particularly those who fled to Denmark after the fall of former Somali government. These young Somali boys should end the hostage-taking, and accept negotiations to rescue the family,” said Garaad Abdullahi.
“On behalf of Puntland traditional elders, we promise to play whatever role we can to get the family released. They don’t deserve to be punished while their country is giving all kinds of support including citizenship, health and education access to our fellow Somali brothers and sisters who fled Somalia. Every Somali, whether inside Somalia, or abroad, should take a role in the release of the Danish family who are being held in Puntland area,” added Garaad Abdullahi.
The spokesman also warned against the use of force in another rescue attempt, which he said can endanger their lives, but instead urged Puntland administration to take every proper step to rescue them.
The call from Puntland traditional elders comes when the pirates holding the Danish Family demanded a ransom of $15 million.
Although they are being held at separate locations, on land and on a pirated vessel, the hostages are said to be well.
Meanwhile, it is stated that Sheikh Abdihafid Ali Yusuf, the governor of Puntland’s Bari region, has held a meeting with a Danish delegation following their arrival in Bosasso.
During the meeting, both sides discussed the plight of the hostages and how they could be released without endangering their lives. The delegation is said to have included relatives of the hostages and members of the Danish government.
Puntlanders recently staged a demonstration against the pirates in Garad District of Mudug region.
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