Addis Ababa/Nairobi/Geneva,16 October 2026 – The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) mourns the death of Mulugeta Andualem, an ambulance driver with the Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS), who was shot and killed while on duty on 14 October 2026 in the Benishangul-Gumuz Region of western Ethiopia. Mulugeta was responding to a request for assistance and transporting a patient from Jurasis Mender to a health facility in Dangur Woreda, Metekel Zone, when armed individuals opened fire on the ambulance. The attack occurred in a remote, high-risk area about 50 km from the Woreda town, where access to essential services is limited. The IFRC stands in solidarity with Mulugeta’s family and loved ones, and with his colleagues across the Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) as they mourn the loss of a colleague who was dedicated to helping others. No one should lose their life while providing medical assistance. Humanitarian personnel, ambulances, and medical facilities must be protected. Health teams must be able to reach people in need without fear of being attacked or losing their lives. The IFRC calls on all parties to respect their obligations to protect humanitarian workers, medical services, and those receiving care. Every day, Red Cross and Red Crescent personnel and volunteers put themselves at risk to ensure that people affected by violence and crisis can access essential assistance. Mulugeta’s death is a devastating loss for his family, his colleagues and the community he served. The IFRC network will remember his dedication to saving lives. For more information, please contact: media@ifrc.org In Nairobi: Susan Mbalu, +254 733 827 654 In Geneva: Tommaso Della Longa, +41 79 708 4367 Paolo Cravero, +41 79 894 8396
Save the Children UK Alumni Association
The Alumni Association of SC UK