British aid man killed in Somalia
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A BRITON working in Somalia for the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) was shot dead yesterday in the southern port of Kismayu, Unicef officials said.
Sean Devereux, 28, was the first foreigner to be killed by gunmen since United States-led forces arrived in Somalia on 9 December. He was the Unicef officer in charge in Kismayu.
A Unicef statement said: 'We at Unicef Somalia . . . are stunned and deeply saddened by the death of Sean. Our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends around the world.' A Unicef spokesman in New York said Mr Devereux was shot in the back of the head while he was walking away from a Unicef office.
Mr Devereux, from Camberley, Surrey, was evacuated from Kismayu after an orgy of killing in the city that began on 8 December. He returned to his post shortly before the arrival of US and Belgian troops on 20 December. He had worked for Unicef in Somalia since last September.
News media widely quoted Mr Devereux's reports that the 8 December deaths were 'targeted clan killings'. Other reports, quoting diplomats and Kismayu residents, have since said 100 prominent members of the Harti clan in the town were systematically taken from their homes and shot by fighters of the Ogadeni clan warlord, Colonel Omar Jess.
Mr Devereux was killed on the eve of a three-hour visit to Mogadishu by the UN Secretary-General, Boutros Boutros-Ghali.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments