Mogadishu: Killing Of Veteran UN Staffer Condemned

UNDP Condemns Killing Of Veteran Staffer In Mogadishu

7 July 2008 - "A 14-year veteran of UNDP, Mr. Ahmed dedicated his life to the betterment of his country while working under very difficult circumstances during some of Somalia's most turbulent times," according to a statement issued by the Programme.

Mr. Ahmed was reportedly shot yesterday as he left a mosque in Mogadishu with family members.

"We extend our deepest and most sincere condolences to his wife and family and wish his son, who was wounded in the attack, a full and speedy recovery," UNDP said.

The killing is the latest in a string of attacks against UN staff in the country, which has not had a functioning government since 1991 and is facing worsening security and humanitarian conditions. As many as 2.6 million Somalis are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance, according to UN aid agencies.

"If this is indeed another example of a targeted killing of UN and non-UN humanitarian and development workers in Somalia, it is particularly outrageous and worrying at this critical time, when the need for humanitarian assistance is rapidly increasing," UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia, Mark Bowden, said in a statement.

Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah, the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Somalia, said the main victims of the shooting are the innocent Somali people who desperately need the assistance that the UN and others provide.

"However, this killing will not deter the UN from carrying on its vital work inside the country," he said.

ENDS

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