Red Cross worker killed in Darfur attacks

February 12, 2008 (GENEVA) – A Red Cross worker was killed last week during the the Sudanese army attacks against three rebel held positions in West Darfur.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said one of its Sudanese staffs in West Darfur was killed during the fighting in and around Seleia during the evening of February 8 at the ICRC office.

“The exact circumstances of this tragic event remain unclear.” The ICRC said.

The Red Cross said shocked by the news of his death. Further it condemned the attack saying “attacks on humanitarian workers, and reminds all parties to the conflict that international humanitarian law requires them to respect and protect personnel carrying out relief work.”

The humanitarian organisation said in contact with the parties to the conflict to organise a visit to Seleia as soon as possible, with the purpose to seek clarification on the death and to evaluate the needs of local population.

(ST)