16th January, 2012
AMREF family expresses sadness at the death of South Sudan Country Director
The African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF) has expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of Dr Alemayehu Seifu, AMREF Country Director for South Sudan.
Dr Alemayehu, 46, was killed by unknown gunmen on the evening of Saturday, January 14 at the gate of his house on the outskirts of the capital city, Juba.
The killers made off with his car and other personal belongings. The government of South Sudan immediately launched investigations into the incident and one man has been arrested.
“This is a very sad moment for the entire AMREF family and we stand in solidarity with Alemayehu's family and AMREF South Sudan staff during this very difficult time,” said AMREF’s Director General, Dr Teguest Guerma.
Dr Seifu was appointed AMREF Country Director in South Sudan in January 2011, after serving as Deputy Country Director in Ethiopia, a position he held since September 2007. Prior to joining AMREF, Dr Seifu worked with the World Health Organisation (WHO) as regional surveillance coordinator in the Ethiopia Country Office, as well as with CARE International and Amhara Regional Health Bureau, Ethiopia.
Dr Seifu’s body was flown to Ethiopia on Sunday evening for burial on Monday at his home near Addis Ababa.