Geneva (ICRC) – A staff member of the Somali Red Crescent Society was killed in the centre of Mogadishu on Tuesday afternoon, 21 July. Farah Aden Mo’allim was travelling in a public transport vehicle when he was caught in crossfire and hit by a stray bullet. He died instantly, before he could be taken to the nearest hospital.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Somali Red Crescent are deeply saddened by the incident and wish to extend their heartfelt condolences to the family.
“The death of our dear colleague is devastating news and illustrates once more how dangerous it is to live and work in Mogadishu. Providing victims of the armed conflict with humanitarian aid often means risking your own life,” said Dr Ahmed M. Hassan, the president of the Somali Red Crescent.
Although the staff member was not deliberately targeted, the ICRC and the Somali Red Crescent are deeply concerned about the plight of civilians caught up in the fighting and call on all warring parties to comply with the rules of international humanitarian law, and in particular to draw a distinction at all times between civilians and persons taking direct part in hostilities.
For further information, please contact:
Anna Schaaf, ICRC Geneva, tel: +41 22 730 2271 or +41 792 1732 17
Nicole Engelbrecht, ICRC Nairobi, tel: +254 202 723 963 or +254 722 512 728
Source: International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
Date: 22 Jul 2009
