Two CRS aid workers killed in Ethiopia

Two Catholic Relief Services (CRS) workers were shot and killed while riding in a CRS vehicle in the Amhara region of Ethiopia on their way back from an assignment in Addis Ababa.

CRS, the international Catholic humanitarian aid agency that serves those most in need in more than 100 countries, said it was “devastated to report the loss” of two of its staff workers, Chuol Tongyik, 37, a security manager, and Amare Kindeya, 43, a driver.

“The details of the murder are still unknown,” the statement said.

“The depth of our shock and sorrow is difficult to measure, and we are saddened over this senseless violence,” said Zemede Zewdie, a CRS representative in Ethiopia.

According to Reuters, the murders took place during violent anti-government protests in the Amhara region of the country that followed the federal government’s decision to disband regional special forces units.