13/05/11 (B603) Communiqué en Anglais d’Afar Action Alliance (AAA) pour dénoncer les arrestations des jeunes Afar et en particulier de Mohamed Houmed Houssein dit Charlie.

We denounce the arrest of peaceful protesters, namely Mohamed Houmed Hassan (Charlie)

Tuesday May 10, many young Afar peaceful protesters were arrested, one of which is Mohamed Houmed Hassan (known as Charlie). We demand their immediate release. We urge the government of Djibouti to recognize that human rights such as freedom of assembly and freedom of speech must be fully protected. We are at the door of true change and will continue to fight for freedom, peace, democracy and justice for Afar and other communities living in Djibouti.

At the dawn of the 21st century, we can neither run away from ourselves nor hide our realities. We are facing historical realities of our time. It is undeniable that today people like Charlie, demand respect for their human and national rights. The Afar people, like all others around the world, should not accept second class citizenship. We believe that any sane person knows that equality, liberty and coexistence are the basics of peace. Therefore, the Djibouti government should in no way be denying the Afar people’s demands.

Afar Action Alliance (AAA)