Al-Shabaab has recently released a video featuring Sergeant Abdullahi Issa Ibrahim, a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldier who has been missing for nearly nine years after the El-Adde attack on January 15, 2016. In the video, Sergeant Abdullahi, who was captured during the attack, makes an emotional plea to the Kenyan government, asking for assistance to be reunited with his family.
Family’s Reaction
The release of this video has revived hope for Sergeant Abdullahi’s family, who had long believed him to be dead. In December 2020, the KDF had issued a presumption of death certificate for the soldier. His daughter, Kathra, expressed her pain, saying, “We are asking as a family, the 10 years of torture is enough. We need him back home.” The family is now urging the Kenyan government to take swift action to ensure his safe return.
Sergeant Abdullahi’s Captivity
Sergeant Abdullahi was part of the KDF unit deployed in the El-Adde area when the attack took place. The attack was one of the deadliest on KDF soldiers, with numerous casualties. Abdullahi has been in the hands of Al-Shabaab ever since and his disappearance has remained a mystery to his family until the recent video surfaced.
Government Response
As of now, the Kenyan government has not issued an official statement regarding the video. However, the family’s plea for action is growing louder, with calls for urgent measures to secure Abdullahi’s release. The video is expected to draw attention to the ongoing issue of KDF soldiers who have been captured or gone missing in action during various confrontations with Al-Shabaab militants.
The release of this video serves as a reminder of the dangers that KDF soldiers face in Somalia as part of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and the continuing challenges in the fight against the Al-Shabaab militant group.