Source: UNICEF

Subject: CF/DOC/IN/1997-06 -- Attack on UNICEF staf in Goma, E. Zaire

The following statement was released at the press briefing in Geneva

this morning.

CF/DOC/IN/1997-06

13 May 1997

Attack on UNICEF staff in Goma, Eastern Zaire

Shortly after 0700 on the morning of Monday 12 May, five armed men

dressed in military uniforms entered a house in Goma where two UNICEF

international staff were living. The armed men threatened the two

UNICEF and the three domestic staff who were in the house at the

time. They initially said they were searching for weapons, but later

demanded money. Money and a few portable valuables were stolen by the

armed men. One UNICEF staff member and one of the domestic staff were

beaten. Both the UNICEF staff and the domestic staff were then tied

up and gagged. The assailants left the house shortly after 0800.

For reasons of confidentiality, the identities of the staff members

involved in the incident have not been disclosed.

UNICEF Executive Director, Carol Bellamy, has condemned the attack

which follows two other security incidents involving UN staff and

vehicles in the area over the weekend.

"Whatever the motive may have been, it is absolutely unacceptable

that UNICEF staff should be subjected to such acts of terror. It is a

total affront to the fundamental principles of humanitarian

assistance," she said.

The AFDL authorities in Goma have been informed of the attack.

AFDL officials have said that it is possible the assailants were

trying to discredit the Alliance by wearing Alliance-style uniforms.

"It is imperative that the AFDL authorities responsible for the

maintenance of law and order in the area do everything within their

power to identify and apprehend those responsible for this barbaric

behavior," said Bellamy.