Nigerian Ship Still Held By Somali pirates

9 Apr 2009 20:32 Africa/Lagos

Somali Justice Advocacy Center Expresses Deep Concern Over Al Qaeda Involvement in Piracy in Somalia and Cautions U.S. to Not Exercise Military Force

ST. PAUL, Minn., April 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Somali Justice Advocacy Center has been in contact with Somali pirates in the northeastern region of Somalia and is currently talking to them about the release of a Nigerian ship that has been held hostage for a couple of months. The Nigerian ship captain's brother is a resident here in St. Paul, Minnesota. The Somali Justice Advocacy Center, while on the phone yesterday with pirates in Somalia, asked about Captain Phillips' condition and will talk to them further today.


The Center further expresses a concern over huge amounts of ransom cash (in U.S. dollars) changing hands without any proper institutional supervision and is afraid it might end up in the hands of extremists.


The Center is deeply troubled by the lack of proper action from the international community against the piracy issue and the increasing influence of extremists in the region.


"This is not about piracy, but rather the absence of an effective governance in Somalia," said Omar Jamal, Executive Director of the Somali Justice Advocacy Center.


"We caution the U.S. not to exercise the military option against piracy, which would further complicate the issue," Jamal continued.


www.somalijustice.org


Source: Somali Justice Advocacy Center

CONTACT: Omar Jamal of the Somali Justice Advocacy Center,
+1-612-715-1221, Info@somalijustice.org


Web Site: http://www.somalijustice.org/