Save the Children aid workers killed

 

Save the Children today suffered the sad loss of two staff members in violent circumstances overseas.

In Chad, Pascal Marlinge, 49, from Save the Children UK was shot and killed.  Although awaiting confirmation, it is understood that Mr. Marlinge, a French national, was in a three-car convoy.  They were driving from Farchana to Hajir Hadid, close to the Sudanese border. 

Our information is that at about 10.15am local time the convoy was stopped by a group of armed men.  A shot, or shots, were fired and Mr. Marlinge was killed.  The four other humanitarian workers were unhurt.

Mr. Marlinge has a wife and one teenage daughter, both living in France. 

All Save the Children work in Chad has been suspended until further notice.

Again on a sad note, Save the Children employee, Abdalla Hamid, was killed during a robbery at its truck compound in Geneina, West Darfur.    He was shot a number of times before the assailants fled the compound in a Save the Children vehicle.

Concern remains for the safety of all staff in Geneina and West Darfur who are continually exposed to these threats. 

Save the Children Australia Chief Executive, Margaret Douglas said: “Our deepest condolences go out to the families of Pascal and Abdullah.  Both were valued members of staff who were loved and respected by their colleagues.”

 

For media inquiries please contact:

Sharyn Hanly
Media Adviser – Save the Children Australia
Tel: (03) 9938 2011  

Mob: 0437 355 096