WFP statement on the death of a staff member in Yemen

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is deeply saddened to confirm that a staff member was shot and killed by unknown gunmen on Friday afternoon in Turbah, Taiz in south west Yemen.

Moayad Hameidi, a Jordanian national, died shortly after being transferred to hospital.

Hameidi had recently arrived in Yemen to assume his new role as the head of WFP’s office in Taiz. A dedicated humanitarian, Hameidi, had worked for WFP for 18 years, including a previous stint in Yemen as well as time in Sudan, Syria, and Iraq.

“The loss of our colleague is a profound tragedy for our organization and the humanitarian community,” said Richard Ragan, WFP Representative and Country Director in Yemen.  “Any loss of life in humanitarian service is an unacceptable tragedy.”