MEMORIAL of Abdulkadir Yahya
Toronto, Canada
PRESS RELEASE
August 12, 2005

On July 11, 2005 Somalia's most respected peace activist, Mr. Abdulkadir Yahya Ali, was assassinated in his home by unknown assailants. Mr. Yahya was co-founder and director of the Somali Center for Research and Dialogue (CRD). His death was not only a stunning shock to his family and friends throughout the world but dealt a severe blow to the prospect of peace in Somalia.

Yahya's brutal murder elicited universal condemnation. A presidential statement by the Security Council issued on July 14, 2005, condemned the brutal murder of Mr. Yahya in the strongest terms. Like wise, the United States, after expressing shock and sorrow at the incident, stated: "We condemn this violent attack.

Abdulkadir Yahya Ali's work with the Center made it one of the most respected and effective non-governmental organizations in Somalia. Yahya worked tirelessly as an advocate for humanitarian efforts to bring peace to his country." Also on July 18, the president of the European Union joined others in condemning unequivocally the savage murder of the slain peace activist. The statement continued describing his loss as an act "that deprived the Somali people a person who ceaseless worked to help bring peace, stability and good governance to his country."

Similarly, the Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Kofi Annan, has issued a statement describing Yahya's loss. "Mr. Yahya had devoted many years to foster peace and reconciliation in his country and was widely respected by his countrymen and by many in the international community."

Abdulkadir Yahya and Jabril Ibrahim

To highlight Yahya's life and contribution, members of his family and friends, the international community, NGOs and the Somali community in the Diaspora decided to hold a memorial service to pay tribute and celebrate his legacy.

Yahya's death jolted global consciousness calling attention to the predicament of the Somali people. The prolonged unrest in Somalia holds ominous implication for the international security, especially as it relates to the stability of the Horn of Africa. The event will be held at Days Hotel and Conference, 1677 Wilson Avenue (across Tariq Mosque)

Toronto, Canada

Date: Sunday, August 14, 2005
Time: 4:00-10:00 pm
Place: Days Hotel and Conference
1677 Wilson Avenue (across Tariq Mosque)

Contact: Mukhtar Ali & Ahmed Ali
Tel 416-249-8171
1800-267-0997