UNHCR deeply regrets killing of a Somali refugee leader in Dadaab

GENEVA - The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, António Guterres, voiced today his deep regrets about the senseless killing of a refugee leader in the Dadaab refugee complex in northern Kenya yesterday evening (Thursday 29 December).

The chairperson of the Community Peace and Security Team in Hagadera camp was shot as he was entering his compound around 19:45 Thursday evening. The refugee-run Community Peace and Security teams are instrumental in helping maintain security in the camps.

The victim was shot several times and the gunmen reportedly escaped. The shooting was immediately reported to the local police. Refugees rushed him to the hospital in Hagadera camp. Despite all efforts he passed away early this morning while being evacuated to Nairobi.

Dadaab is the world's largest refugee settlement and shelters more than 460,000 people. Somalia remains one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world. More than 950,000 Somalis live as refugees in neighbouring countries while another 1.46 million are internally displaced.

Contacts:

• In Nairobi: Vivian Tan: +254 735 337608
• In Geneva: Andrej Mahecic: +41 792007617