UNHCR shocked and saddened by killing of staff member in southern Chad

Briefing Notes, 7 December 2007

This is a summary of what was said by UNHCR spokesperson William Spindler – to whom quoted text may be attributed – at the press briefing, on 7 December 2007, at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.

We are shocked and saddened by the killing of a UNHCR staff member in a shooting incident yesterday near Koumra in the south of Chad. The circumstances surrounding the shooting are still not clear and we are working with the Chadian authorities to find out exactly what happened.

Mahmat Mahamadou, a driver based at the UNHCR Field Office in Danamadji in the south of Chad, where UNHCR cares for over 43,000 refugees from the Central African Republic, was returning alone in a vehicle after delivering a staff member to a regular meeting point for transfer of staff members, when he was attacked. The incident happened between Bedaya and Koumra, located 115 km from Sarh in an area that is normally safe.

This is the first fatality UNHCR has suffered in its operations in Chad. We send our deep condolences to the family of Mr Mahamadou.

• DONATE NOW • • GET INVOLVED • • STAY INFORMED •

 

Related Stories

Chad’s other refugee crisis: While attention focuses on the Darfuris in eastern Chad, another refugee crisis unfolds in southern Chad.

Chad Mission Photo Gallery

Camp Life in Eastern Chad

Violence In Eastern Chad

In eastern Chad, continued violence threatens the UN refugee agency's fragile humanitarian lifeline to hundreds of thousands of Sudanese refugees and tens of thousands of displaced Chadians.

Chad

It's difficult to imagine having none of the basic necessities. But just see how the refugees of Chad live, and how the UNHCR tries to help them.

Chad: Environmental Challenges

The search for water and firewood is a daily trial for the 250,000 Sudanese refugees from Darfur in eastern Chad. The UN has found ways to alleviate the problems.