Statement by OCHA on WFP staff killed in Angola

STATEMENT BY SERGIO VIEIRA DE MELLO, UNDER-SECRETARY-GENERAL FOR HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS AND EMERGENCY RELIEF COORDINATOR
16 November 1998

I have learned with deep regret of the death of Mr. Elias Sayala, a World Food Programme staff member in Angola, shot while on duty in the town of Kuito, Bie province, on the night of 14 November. This brings to eight the total number of WFP staff killed in Angola this year.

I remain extremely concerned with this trend of attacks against relief workers in a country where several thousand humanitarian workers are assisting vulnerable populations, including almost a quarter of a million newly displaced people out of a total of about 1.4 million. This tragic incident exemplifies the risks surrounding the delivery of aid and the increasing disrespect for humanitarian personnel in conflict or post-conflict situations worldwide.

I extend my deepest condolences to the family and to WFP, and trust that all measures will be pursued to identify those responsible for this heinous act.