CTindex - Christian Today UK Interactive Catalogue
World

Kidnapped German aid worker freed in Somalia

A German aid worker kidnapped in northwestern Somalia has been freed, his employer said on Wednesday.

Posted: Wednesday, February 13, 2008, 8:25 (GMT)
Font Scale:A A A

A German aid worker kidnapped in northwestern Somalia has been freed, his employer said on Wednesday.

"He's free and well," a spokeswoman for the German Agro Action (GAA), also known as Deutsche Welthungerhilfe, said, adding the man had contacted several colleagues in Somalia.

A spokesman for the German Foreign Ministry said the ministry had not yet had contact with the man.

The aid worker was kidnapped after gunmen ambushed his car on Tuesday in Era Gabo, a town in the breakaway republic of Somaliland.

The attack occurred in Sanag region, a disputed area that Somaliland and neighbouring semi-autonomous Puntland have long fought over.

Although Somaliland and Puntland have enjoyed relative peace compared to southern Somalia where the interim government is fighting an Islamist insurgency, the north has increasingly become associated with kidnappings for ransom.

Somaliland broke away in 1991 when warlords toppled military dictator Mohamed Siad Barre plunging the Horn of Africa country into anarchy. It has governed itself since, but its claim of independence has not been internationally recognised.



© Reuters 2008. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by caching, framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters.
Have your say on this article
Google Advertisement
Externally generated - Report offensive links here
Scripture Union
World Headline
Korean Christian leaders declare 2009 a year of unity

Korean Christian leaders declare 2009 a year of unity

South Korea’s Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant leaders have together declared 2009 as the Year of Prayer for...
Sponsored Features
Order books for all ages commending the free and sovereign grace of Almighty God.
01582 765448 For holidays and retreats in the Scottish borders. Whitchester Christian Guest House 01450 377 477 Friendly printing company for churches, charities and businesses nationwide!
Sanct Maria Abbey, NUNRAW
Cistercian Monastery and Guest House
Bookings: 01620 830 228
Email: nunraw.abbot@yahoo.co.uk
Google Advertisement
Externally generated - Report offensive links here