One week after the murder of two local employees in southeast Afghanistan the Order of Malta German Emergency Corps (Malteser) is going to abandon its activities in Paktia and Paktika, two southeastern provinces on the Pakistani border. The retreat from these provinces is the consequence of the tragic occurrence in Paktia province, where the security situation is deteriorating.

The decision to retreat, however, does not apply to Malteser programmes in other provinces of Afghanistan, which are considered more secure. With regard to the highly vulnerable population, the programmes are continued under increased security measures.

“We are shocked by the assassination of our two Afghan colleagues,” says the president of Malteser Dr. Constantin von Brandenstein-Zeppelin. “With their work they have improved the livelihood of many people in need. The repeated attacks against aid workers of humanitarian organisations limit the scope for effective assistance in the country.”

Dr. von Brandenstein-Zeppelin expressed his thanks for the many condolences offered by the international humanitarian community.

The Order of Malta German Emergency Corps has been active in Afghanistan since 2002. After the recent retreat from Paktia and Paktika province 20 international and 250 local employees continue their relief efforts in five provinces (Kabul, Parwan, Kapisa, Badghis and Herat) to contribute to the reconstruction of the country.