Contact: U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Press Office, 202-712-4320; Public Information, 202-712-4810

WASHINGTON, Jan. 2 /Standard Newswire/ -- The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has learned that two members of our valued professional team were shot and killed early this morning in Khartoum, Sudan. John Granville, 33, an American officer and Abdelrahman Abbas Rahama, 39, a locally employed Sudanese national, were serving the common interests of the U.S. and the Sudan in bringing peace and stability to a country that has long been wracked by violence and conflict.We are working closely with local authorities to investigate the incident.

Both John and Abdelrahman were deeply committed to their work and highly respected by their colleagues in Sudan and throughout our organization. We have been in contact with the families of these fallen colleagues and extend them our most heartfelt condolences. John’s mother said that he loved his work. So it is in that spirit I ask that we celebrate these two colleagues’ lives and their important work.

USAID, on behalf of the American people, is the leading international donor to Sudan and has contributed more than $2 billion for humanitarian programs in the country and eastern Chad since fiscal year 2004. In the Darfur region alone, USAID provides life-saving assistance to more than 3 million people affected by the conflict.

USAID formally reopened its mission in Sudan in May, 2006, following the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement ending a 21-year civil war between northern and southern Sudan.

American men and women and foreign nationals alike put their lives on the line every day in an effort to further the humanitarian and development programs throughout the world and they deserve our deepest gratitude. It is this dedication and compassion that keeps us all dutifully committed to our work.