Today, men, women, children and adults took to the streets in a large demonstration in Adado, Central Somalia, to show their support and sympathy with the two aid workers from the Danish Refugee Concil held hostage in Somalia. The protesters demanded an immediate release of the two humanitarian workers.

The Somali aid organisation Save Somali Women and Children (SSWC) took lead in a large demonstration in Adado today gathering civil society groups, students and women's groups in an impressive show of support for American Jessica Buchanan and Danish Poul Hagen Thisted. The two humanitarian aid workers have been held hostage since October 25 and remain in captivity in Somalia. Adado is the capital of the Himan and Heeb region that is believed to be the location where the two hostages are being held captive.

For severeal hours protesters made speeches condemning the kidnappers and others involved with the criminal act, calling for an unconditional release. The demonstraters marched through the streets of Adado with a banner reading - 'Paul and Jessica are in Somalia to assist and support people in need. They have been accepted in Somalia as guests, but now they are kidnapped by criminals. We want them released.'

"The demonstration today is a stong and significant manifistation showing the real voice of the Somali people. We are thankful for the fact that so many different groups come together to talk in one voice, condemning the kidnapping – and asking for an unconditional release of Poul and Jessica. We know that the civil society is working hard to make this happen,” says Ann Mary Olsen, head of the Danish Refugee Council's International Department.

The two aid workers Poul Hagen Thisted and Jessica Buchanan were abducted by a group of armed criminals in Galkayo, Gulmundug state, on October 25.

The Danish Refugee Council has worked in Somalia since 1998 and is recognized and acknowledged in the region. Among the activities is the provision of shelter and protection, aid packages and daily meals in Mogadishu for thousands of internally displaced people. The Danish Refugee Council and its demining unit provide emergency relief and assistance to an estimated 450,000 people in the Horn of Africa and Yemen - a region known to be difficult and inaccessible for most aid organisations not least as a consequence of decades of armed conflict and complex power structures.

In consideration of the safety of the two kidnapped aid workers, the Danish Refugee Council cannot elaborate further on the current situation.

All media inquiries should be directed to the Danish Refugee Council in Copenhagen, news will be uploaded on drc.dk/flygtning.dk

Related News:

 Information to the press - statement from Poul Hagen Thisted - 31-01-12 09:28

 Kidnapped aid workers rescued in Somalia - 25-01-12 15:29

 Influential Somalis join forces to resolve DDG kidnapping - 11-01-12 00:00

 Fear and lack of possibilities keep refugees from returning  - 15-12-11 15:30

 Somalis stand up against kidnapping of aid workers - 15-11-11 11:11

 Kidnapping meets widespread condemnation in Somalia - 05-11-11 22:29

 Somalia: Two kidnapped DDG employees alive and well - 30-10-11 23:39

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