PRESS RELEASE
Oxfam Novib shocked about murder on director of human rights partner in Somalia

Nairobi, The Hague, March 21st - Oxfam Novib is extremely shocked by themurder on Isse Abdi Isse on Wednesday last week in Mogadishu, Somalia.

Mr.Isse was the Executive Director of the Kisima Peace and Development Organisation (KISIMA). He was shot dead by an unidentified gunman while on a visit to Mogadishu. KISIMA is based in Kismayo, southern Somalia.

KISIMA is a member of the G-16 Human Rights Network, a group of 16 Oxfam Novib human rights partners in Somalia. Oxfam Novib supports these organisations in capacity building through training in identification, documentation, monitoring and advocacy of human rights violations and  small grants to undertake various human rights activities.

Oxfam Novib is concerned about the increasing violence in Somalia. Fighting between insurgents and the Transitional Federal Government (TFG), helped by Ethiopian troops, take place every day. Civilian casualties are common. With the attack on Mr. Isse Abdi Isse it seems that human rights workers and peace campaigners are becoming a target.

Oxfam Novib calls upon the TFG to expeditiously investigate into the murder of Mr. Isse Abdi Isse, and to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. The TFG needs to uphold its responsibility to protect its citizens from violence. Oxfam Novib calls upon all the parties in the conflict to employ peaceful means of solving their differences.

The TFG needs to establish its political legitimacy through a comprehensive and inclusive reconciliation process and establish the rule of law with the support of international peacekeepers.  Oxfam Novib offers its condolences to the family of Mr. Isse Abdi Isse  and wishes them fortitude and strength as they grieve over their loss.
 

For more info, please contact James Nduko, Oxfam Novib Human Rights
Programme Officer, mob. +254-(0)720-131574, land line +254-(0)20- 3741951/-26, james.nduko@oxfamnovib.or.ke