Refugee Council aid workers brought to safety

“I am pleased and relieved that the four aid workers from the Norwegian Refugee Council have now been brought to safety,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

The four aid workers are on their way back to Nairobi.

“I share the joy and relief of the Refugee Council and all its employees that this situation has now been resolved,” said Mr Støre.

“A big thank you to the Kenyan authorities, who have helped to resolve the situation. I was in contact with the Kenyan Foreign Minister yesterday while the investigation was still going on, and expressed my appreciation for the efforts being made by the Kenyan authorities. Today I will thank the Kenyans for their assistance,” said Mr Støre.

“The work being done in poor countries by aid organisations like the Norwegian Refugee Council is essential. They help people where they are and are doing an invaluable job. It is important to ensure that they can continue this work safely,” said Minister of International Development Heikki Holmås, who is taking part in a meeting of the International Contact Group on Somalia in Rome today. 

“Aid workers in the Horn of Africa are at risk, and there are many examples of threats and violence against people who are trying to help others. Our thoughts go to the family of the Kenyan driver who was killed when the aid workers were abducted,” said Mr Støre.

The four international aid workers from the Norwegian Refugee Council were abducted in the Dadaab refugee complex in Kenya on Friday 29 June.