International Condemnations of the Assassination of a Social Fund for Development Official in Aden and Calls for Investigation

Yemen Monitor – Newsroom:

Western countries on Monday condemned the assassination of the Acting Director of the Social Fund for Development in the city of Aden, Wissam Qaed, calling for an urgent investigation and for those responsible for the crime to be held accountable.

According to local sources, Qaed was subjected to an armed abduction at around 3:15 p.m. while returning to his home in the Enmaa area after attending a meeting with a donor organization. Shortly afterward, his body was found in the Al-Hiswa area, having been killed.

Information indicates that Qaed had previously reported receiving threats from parties linked to the fund’s administration in Sana’a, due to his efforts to transfer part of the fund’s operations to Aden.

United States

In this context, the U.S. Embassy in Yemen stated in a statement that it “condemns the killing of Social Fund for Development Director Wissam Qaed in Aden,” calling for a “comprehensive investigation to hold those responsible for this crime accountable.”

It added that “Aden must be a safe place for government officials and citizens alike to carry out their daily activities,” affirming its support for the Yemeni government’s efforts to enhance security in the country.

European Union

For his part, the European Union Ambassador to Yemen, Patrick Simonnet, expressed shock at the incident, saying: “We are shocked by the assassination of Wissam Qaed in Aden today.”

He added that Qaed “as Deputy Director General of the Social Fund for Development, was dedicated to serving his country and worked tirelessly to help millions of Yemenis,” offering condolences to his family and stressing the need to bring the perpetrators to justice.

United Kingdom

Similarly, the British Ambassador to Yemen, Abda Sharif, said she was “angry and shocked” by Qaed’s assassination, noting that he “worked tirelessly to ensure life-saving aid reached millions of Yemenis.”

She emphasized the need to “identify those responsible, hold them accountable, and bring them to justice swiftly.”

Germany

The German Ambassador to Yemen, Thomas Schneider, also strongly condemned the incident, describing it as a “heinous crime.”

He added that “our hearts and prayers are with Wissam’s family,” calling for a “swift investigation and for the perpetrators to be brought to justice,” noting that the victim “was a courageous man who dedicated his efforts to advancing social development in his country.”

France

For her part, the French Ambassador to Yemen, Catherine Corm-Kammoun, condemned the assassination, stressing the need to “track down, arrest, and hold the perpetrators accountable.”

She also reiterated her country’s support for Yemeni authorities’ efforts to enhance security and stability across the country.