N'DJAMENA, Chad (Feb. 3, 2008) – Rebel attacks on the capital city of Chad have forced international aid agency World Vision to close its office in N’Djamena amid fears that the political crisis was quickly turning into a humanitarian one.

"We did not expect things to happen this quickly. Many people have been killed,” said Levourne Passiri, national director of World Vision Chad. “World Vision is hoping for calm so that crucial relief and development work across the country can continue.”

Passiri says the situation in N'Djamena is deteriorating as rebels advance into the city. Rebel attacks are now centered on the presidential palace.

World Vision's priority at this point is the safety of civilians and relief staff in the capital, as well as its 200 staff members across the country. The agency’s work in the central and southern parts of the country has also been disrupted as staff members have been forced to restrict their movements amongst security concerns.

World Vision has worked in Chad since 1985 and currently serves some 400,000 people. Community development programs are located in central and southern Chad, and are currently stable and not affected. Programs focus on health and nutrition, education, HIV prevention, water and sanitation, micro credit loans, and agricultural development.

World Vision donors support 30,000 children in Chad, including more than 15,000 children sponsored by Canadians.

World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.

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World Vision staff members in Chad are available for media interviews. Please contact:

Yoko Kobayashi, Emergency Communications Manager
905-565-6200 ext. 2151
416-671-0086 (cell)
yoko_kobayashi@WorldVision.ca