UNICEF Pays Tribute to Colleagues Killed and Injured in Somalia Attack

Four UNICEF staff were killed. Five other UNICEF colleagues are being treated for injuries. 

NEW YORK (April 21, 2015) – With great sadness, UNICEF can now release the names of the four colleagues who were killed in a horrific attack as they travelled to work yesterday in Garowe, northern Somalia.

Those who lost their lives were:

·       Mr. Payenda Gul Abed, who had been coordinating UNICEF’s polio immunization efforts in Garowe since May 2014.

·       Ms. Brenda Kyeyune, who had managed social mobilization and communication initiatives in support of polio eradication in Somalia since 2014.

·       Ms. Woki Munyui, who had been supporting UNICEF’s education work in Somalia since 2007.

·       Mr. Stephen Oduor, who had been undertaking vital administrative work for UNICEF Somalia since 2010.

These heroes were dedicated to building a better world for children – today, all of us at UNICEF honor their sacrifice.

Five other UNICEF colleagues are being treated for injuries sustained in the attack, and we hope for their speedy recovery.

Two local security personnel, unrelated to UNICEF, were also killed as a result of the attack, and four others injured.

Our thoughts are with the families of all who died, with those who were injured, and with all our staff who continue to work tirelessly in Somalia to support women and children. 

For more information, contact: Marci Greenberg, U.S. Fund for UNICEF, 212.922.2464, mgreenberg@unicefusa.org

 

NAIROBI, April 20, 2015 – Four UNICEF staff members have been killed in an attack on a vehicle in which they were riding in Garowe, Somalia. Four other UNICEF colleagues are reportedly in a serious condition.

The IED (improvised explosive device) attack occurred when the staff were travelling from their guest house to the office, normally a three minute drive. UNICEF is currently contacting families of the staff, and airlifting the injured.

The UNICEF colleagues were an integral part of UNICEF’s work in Somalia, dedicated to improving the lives of others.

Anthony Lake, UNICEF Executive Director, issued the following statement this morning:

"The horrific attack on our UNICEF colleagues today in northern Somalia is an assault not only on them but on the people they served. Our immediate thoughts are with the families of the four staff members who were killed and with those who were injured. All of us at UNICEF are deeply saddened, and deeply angered. 

Our colleagues dedicated their lives to working for the children of Somalia. They are not victims. They and those who were wounded are heroes. We mourn their loss and hope for the full recovery of the injured.

Our continuing work for the most vulnerable children and their families in Somalia will be a fitting tribute to those we have lost."