23 January 2007 - Three weeks after the attack against an ACF vehicle at the end of December, killing French aid worker Agnes Dury and seriously injuring another aid worker, ACF decided to suspend its programmes in Burundi.

The circumstances surrounding the attack and the motive for it remainunclear. What is sure is that this was a deliberate attack. Following this tragic event, ACF-France, who are managing the Burundi programme, carried out a detailed analysis of the context. This risk assessment showed that the current security conditions do not allow for a resumption of ACF’s activities in the country.

The organisation therefore decided to close its programmes. This decision has been extremely difficult in view of the scale of humanitarian needs in the area. However, Action Against Hunger is unable to guarantee the security of its staff in the current context.

Regarding its vital programmes for the treatment of acute malnutrition, Action Against Hunger had long planned to integrate these activities into public health structures. This process started some months ago and will be finalised in the next few days to ensure treatment continues. However, the organisation’s psycho-social activities and its water and food security programmes have unfortunately been suspended.

Action Against Hunger is deeply shocked by this brutal crime. Despite the suspension of its activities in Burundi, the organisation will closely follow the judicial investigations into the crime. An investigation is currently being carried out in Burundi and the French justice system has appointed a prosecutor to probe the case.

                                                             ***ENDS***

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3rd January 2007 - In honour of Agnes (Read the press release...)

1st January 2007 - A female expatriate of Action Against Hunger was killed in Burundi in a targeted shooting. (Read the press release... )