SSHDA condemns killings in Somalia

[guraad]

SSHDA condemns killings in Somalia

Ref: SSHDA/2/ot

Date: 30/10/2003

To: The families, relatives and Friends of Dick & Anid eyeington,

To: The family, relatives and friendsOf Annalena Tonelli,

CC: National and International NGOsIn Somalia,

CC: Members of SSHDA

 

 

The members of Sool, Sanaag and Haud Development Agency (SSHDA), a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of their fellow brethrens in SSH are shocked and horrified by the latest savagery and brutal killings of a British couple, Dick & anid eyeington, two school teachers, and Annalena Tonelli, an Italian aid worker in the towns of Sheikh and Borama, Somalia. These reports of atrocities confirm that a new form of terror and hatred towards Western aid workers has emerged in the Northern part of Somalia, which has been relatively peaceful for the past ten years. It is also an indication of the spiritual, cultural and moral hollowness of the new breed of radicals whose manifestations and aspirations are as ambiguous and dangers as their actions and deeds. We hope and prey for those culprits to be brought to justice and justly punished for the ugly and uncharitable crime they have committed.

 

Whether they are nationals or foreigners, members of this organization, SSHDA, vehemently condemn the senseless killings of innocent people in Somalia particularly those who play an instrumental role in humanitarian efforts and communal rebuilding. We beseech our fellow Somalis at home to end the violence and hatred that will accomplish nothing but more deaths and destruction. Our Islamic believes, teachings, and centuries-old way of life does not coincide nor reflect the crimes committed against the innocent guests who left their homes to help the most vulnerable and destitute Somalis. No matter what their manifestations might be, there is no justification for committing atrocities intended to root out the very foundation of the humanitarian efforts of the national and international non-governmental agencies.

 

As for the families and friends of Annalena Tonelli, Dick and Anid Eyeington, SSHDA and its members around the world are sending their sincere condolences to them and wish them better days ahead. We are all coping with the tragic loss of our fallen heroes. Heroes that were thousands of miles from their peaceful homes and loved ones, though they have left a lasting touch in the works they left behind. They will be remembered for the immeasurable help they gave to the sick and the young when they most needed it. Hence, We must stand together firm and united to continue their humanitarian work and make Somalia a better place to live, and for the simple fact of making it a brighter future for the next generation.

 

This organization (SSHDA) would also like to take this opportunity to invite other International, non-governmental and unilateral organizations, both inside and outside of Somalia to foster close cooperation and working partnership with us in the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the regions of SOOL, SANAAG & HAUD regions of Somalia. It is the mission as well as the top on the list of our priorities to avert hatred and violence of any nature through education, positive reinforcements and empowerment of traditional and intellectual local leaders. In addition, The Board of the organization is willing to share any relevant information that is prevalent in the Somali regions of SSH. Together we shall prevail Insha Allah.

 

We leave you with the words of wisdom of Prophet Mohamed (peace be upon him), who said "If you see any injustice being committed, change it with your hands, if you are not able to do that, then speak out against it, and if you are not able to do that then feel bad about it in your hearts, even though that is the weakest form of faith."

 

Yours truly,

 

The Board of Directors,

Sool, Sanaag, and Hawd Development Agency (SSHDA)

Fax #: 404-299-5519

Telephone: 404-298-5591

sshpn@yahoo.com