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SOMALIA: WFP EMPLOYEE BLAMED FOR LATEST SHIP HIJACK October 12, 2005
Another ship was hijacked in Somalia today, this time at the main port of Marka City in broad daylight. Four armed men overpowered two security guards on board the ship and ordered the captain to leave the port. Two crew members jumped into the sea and swam to the shore.
Lower-Shabelle authority blamed WFP (World Food Program) for what happened at Makra port today after a WFP ship carrying humanitarian cargo was hijacked right at the port. The head of Lower-Shabelle administration, Sheik Yussuf Mohamed Siad as known as Indha Adde said WFP regional manager is responsible for today's incident. He said WFP representative turned down their offer to safeguard the ship free of charge.
Mr. Indha Adde told SomaliNet the lack of cooperation between the local administration and WFP contributed to today's security breach. "Their representative in the city decided not to work with us and the hijackers took advantage of clear miscalculation. What happened today is regrettable and it is the consequence of that man's bad decision.†Said Mr. Indha Adde who promised to do whatever it takes to free the hijacked ship. He acknowledged the goodwill of the United Nations and the need for such humanitarian assistance. He also encouraged the United Nations and other international organizations to consult local governments before they work in Somalia.
In a telephone conversation with Hassan Ali Mohamed of SomaliNet, Sheik Indha Adde said the ship could still be saved after the bandits boarded had they been notified by WFP employees on the ground.