May 1, 2001
MSF Announces Temporary Suspension of Activities in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Following the April 26 murder of six workers from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) will suspend all activities in the country for a period of three days, beginning April 30, 2001.

The humanitarian community is shocked and deeply saddened by this criminal act. MSF sends their most sincere and heartfelt condolences to the friends and families of the victims.

MSF sees this most violent act as a direct attack against the humanitarian community working in the DRC. MSF is deeply concerned about the consequences of these killings, which have put into question the ability to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of DRC—a population in great need.

In solidarity with the ICRC, to protest such a brutal act of violence, and to clearly reinforce the principle that humanitarian workers must be able to carry out their mandate in full safety, MSF will suspend all activities in DRC for a three-day period. During this time, MSF programs will be limited to emergencies and life-saving medical services only.

MSF has been working in the DRC since 1985. At present 36 international volunteers and 450 local staff make up the MSF team.

© 2013 Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)