Ethiopian Red Cross Society Expresses Deep Sorrow over the Death of Its Ambulance Driver and Strongly Condemns the Attack
The Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) expresses its profound sorrow over the death of its ambulance driver and strongly condemns the attack carried out by armed groups against an ERCS ambulance on October 14, 2026, in Dangur Woreda, Metekel Zone, Benishangul-Gumuz Region, which claimed the life of Mr. Mulugeta Andualem, an ambulance driver serving the Society.
The ERCS ambulance, bearing plate number 5-02762, was carrying out its regular humanitarian mission when it came under attack by armed groups at approximately 1:20 p.m. on October 14, 2026, in an area known as Jirsie Mender, approximately 50 kilometers from the woreda town. Mr. Mulugeta Andualem, who was driving the ambulance, lost his life in the attack. The ambulance sustained severe damage and has been rendered inoperable.
The Ethiopian Red Cross Society extends its deepest condolences to the family, relatives, friends, and colleagues of Mr. Mulugeta Andualem. The Society calls on everyone to fully recognize the profound loss that this tragic attack, which claimed a human life while the ambulance was engaged in life-saving humanitarian services, represents for the organization and the wider humanitarian community.
The Ethiopian Red Cross Society reminds all concerned that humanitarian workers, volunteers, ambulances, medical facilities, and other vehicles engaged in humanitarian services must be respected and protected at all times. It emphasizes that international law enshrines this obligation, to which Ethiopia is a signatory.
Under International Humanitarian Law (IHL), parties to armed conflicts are obligated to protect humanitarian personnel, vehicles engaged in humanitarian operations, and the supplies they carry from harm in all areas under their control. They are also required to fulfil their legal obligations and facilitate the safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian relief supplies.
Accordingly, the Ethiopian Red Cross Society once again calls on all armed groups and parties involved in armed conflicts to respect their obligations under International Humanitarian Law and the relevant international agreements to which Ethiopia is a signatory. It urges them to refrain from attacking humanitarian personnel and assets and to help ensure the safety of ERCS staff and property so the Society can deliver life-saving assistance to communities affected by conflict without obstruction.
Humanitarian workers have no purpose other than alleviating human suffering, saving lives, protecting health, and upholding human dignity. Therefore, there is no justification whatsoever for making them targets of attack under any circumstances.
The Ethiopian Red Cross Society calls on all armed groups to fulfil their obligations and contribute to ensuring the effective delivery of its impartial and neutral humanitarian services to all people, enabling the organization to achieve the mission for which it was established.
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