Egyptian teacher abducted in Burao , Somaliland

Medeshi Jan 14, 2009
Egyptian teacher abducted in Burao, Somaliland
Officials say gunmen have abducted an Egyptian teacher in Burao, Somaliland.
Senior government official Jama Abdullahi says the kidnappers armed with pistols stopped Mohamed Mustafa Ibrahim and bundled him into a car late Tuesday as he went to a mosque in the town of Burao.
The kidnapping is assessed to be related with commercial/livestock business disagreements between the local community and the government of Somaliland. This incident is reminiscent of another incident in 2008 where foreign fishermen were kidnapped to pressure the government. More kidnappings and attempts of internationals/foreigners are likely to occur in the near future within Somaliland if the situation is not addressed.
All staff of Aid agencies operating in Somaliland have already been advised to exercise extreme caution whilst travelling outside Hargeisa town.
Burao is the second largest town in the self-declared Republic of Somaliland.
Somaliland police chief Ahmed Saqadhe Dubad said Wednesday that his officers are searching for the kidnappers.
Somaliland declared its independence from Somalia in 1991 but hasn't received international recognition. It has been relatively peaceful, avoiding the anarchy of the rest of Somalia.