British UN worker killed in Somalia
A British man working for the United Nations has been shot dead alongside a colleague in Somalia.
The two UN consultants were shot at Galkayo airport in Puntland, Somalia, by unknown gunmen after getting off a plane, it was reported.
A Foreign Office spokesman said: “We are aware of the death of a British national in Somalia on April 7. We stand ready to provide consular assistance to the family at this difficult time.”
Nicholas Kay, United Nations special representative for Somalia, condemned the murders. The men were working for the United Nations O ffice on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
“I condemn the brutal murders,” Mr Kay said in a statement.
“Our UN colleagues were working in support of the Somali people’s aspiration for a peaceful and stable future.
“There can be no justification for such a callous attack. I call on the authorities to conduct a full investigation immediately and bring the perpetrators to justice without delay.
“I offer my sincere condolences to the families and friends of the victims. The United Nations in Somalia remains committed to continuing our vital support to the Somali people as they emerge from decades of conflict.”
The other murdered UN worker was a French national, according to reports.
Some reports said the men were about to board a plane to Nairobi, Kenya, when a man wearing a police or a security official’s uniform opened fire on them.
Puntland is an arid region of north east Somalia, which has become infamous as a hub of piracy operations in the seas around that country.
Last week a 500-bed prison opened in Garowe, the capital of Puntland. The UNODC said the building was a “key” part of its maritime crime programme in the Horn of Africa aimed at combating piracy.
Yury Fedotov, UNODC executive director, said: ” I condemn in the strongest possible terms the killing of two of my colleagues in a cruel and senseless attack.
“I hope the relevant authorities in Somalia will undertake every effort to ensure that their killers are swiftly apprehended and brought to justice.
“I would also like to offer my most profound condolences to the family, loved ones, friends and colleagues of these two individuals, who were so committed and dedicated to UNODC’s work.”