Russian embassy in Sudan boosting security after stabbing incident

January 29, 2014 (KHARTOUM) – The Russian charge d’affaires to Khartoum Yury Vidakas disclosed that their embassy has undertaken strict security measures in the wake of an attack that targeted the consul and his wife on Tuesday.

The assailant, who is a citizen of the Central African Republic (CAR), stabbed the couple at the parking lot near the Russian embassy in Khartoum causing injuries that saw them rushed to hospital afterwards for treatment.

Vidakas said that the diplomat identified as Andre Taramaev and his spouse were discharged from hospital adding that they are in stable condition.

He revealed that new rules now prohibit embassy staff from leaving into the city unless necessary and those who do are to be provided with security escort.

According to the Sudanese police, the attacker mistakenly thought that the couple belonged to one of the western countries that sent troops to CAR recently.

During interrogation the assailant said that his brother was killed in Bangui by these forces and as such he thought retribution. He was reportedly in Sudan seeking medical treatment.

France sent troops to CAR to support African Union (AU) troops there but Russia had no involvement in the restive African nation.

(ST)