I’ll Contact the Pirates to Release the Algerian Sailors Without Paying Ransom, Somali PM

Somali PM at the Transitional Federal Government has pleaded working on releasing the 17 Algerian sailors abducted by Somali pirates, without the need to pay the ransom.

Mr Abdiweli Mohamed Ali told Echorouk reporter in interview in his office in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, that he is due to set contacts with the pirates to get details about the Algerian hostages. 

“The pirates are rebels and pertain to no party. For the moment we are not able to go to the spot where the sailors are abducted, neither can we release them, but one thing is sure is that we will set contact with the pirates as soon as possible to be informed about the situation of the hostages, and then work to release them,” the Somali PM said, stressing: “The TFG stands firm against the payment of ransoms, and we’ll try to convince the pirates to release the Algerian sailors with other alternatives than the ransom.” 

As for the existence of Algerian militants among the Al-Sabab movement, the PM said: “I can’t tell, for there are many foreign militants in Somalia pertaining to that organisation.”

As for the international humanitarian aids shipped to Somalia, including from Algeria, the official said:  “I’d like to thank the people and the government of Algeria for the aids sent to the famine struck Somalia, yet, the international community has not responded to our SOS message, as the aids arrived so far are still few comparing to the devastating calamity hitting our country, but we are looking forward to see more to come.”