Oxfam International (Oxford)
11 July 2008
press release
Goz Beida — International aid agency Oxfam Great Britain temporarily suspended activities and relocated staff from Kerfi in eastern Chad yesterday after armed men entered the compounds of several NGOs, intimidating and attacking humanitarian workers. Clashes between the Chadian National Army and attackers resulted in the death of at least one man and several injured people. This violence is unprecedented in Kerfi and has forced Oxfam GB to stop activities until the situation has improved.
Oxfam GB's compound was attacked in the middle of the night by six armed men. Perpetrators shot several times and attempted without success to burn down a house where Oxfam’s staff were in hiding. All the staff are safe and have been relocated to Goz Beida.
Speaking from Chad, Oxfam GB's Country Director, Roland Van Hauwermeiren said:
"We are deeply concerned by this attack and the implications this could have on our ability to provide critical water and sanitation work. It is the poorest and most vulnerable that will suffer the most as a result of the recent fighting. Insecurity remains a constant problem in Chad and the Government of Chad should work to curtail the environment of impunity which permeates eastern Chad. The international community must increase its efforts to forward the peace process."
Oxfam GB is providing water and sanitation to more than 11,000 people in Kerfi, both internally displaced and host communities. The agency has been forced to stop activities because of the insecurity and fears that this lack of access is putting lives of vulnerable population at risk. Water supplies are already scarce and only five hand-pumps are still running.
Oxfam GB urged local authorities to restore peace and to allow humanitarians workers to resume life-saving operations.
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