United Kingdom, Canada confirm nationals killed in terror attack

By GEOFFREY MOSOKU

The British and Canadian governments have confirmed their nationals were among those who were brutally massacred by terrorists who attacked Westgate Mall on Saturday.

The UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office said three British nationals were confirmed dead in the attack, adding the number was likely to rise while Canada confirmed one of its diplomats had been killed.

“It is with heartfelt sadness that we learned of the death in the service of our country, of one of our own, Annemarie Desloges, a distinguished public servant with Citizenship and Immigration Canada, who served at Canada’s High Commission in Kenya,” said a statement issued jointly by Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird, Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander and Public Safety Minister Steven Blaney.

“We send our thoughts and prayers and those of all Canadians to Ms Desloges’ family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time.” Annemarie was 29-years-old and is survived by her husband Robert Munk.

Annemarie Desloges worked as a public servant for the Canadian government since 2008. Previously posted to Delhi, Annemarie was serving Citizenship and Immigration Canada as well as the Canada Border Services Agency in Nairobi for the past two years.

Bring attackers to book

Even as Canada mourned one of their own, the UK said a crisis committee (COBR) met again earlier yesterday chaired by Foreign Secretary William Hague resolving to send a rapid deployment team from London to Nairobi to provide further consular support.

“On the incident at the Westgate, and with reports of both assailants and civilians still in the building, a FCO spokesperson said three British nationals are confirmed dead. The next of kin of those nationals have been informed. The number of British nationals confirmed as killed is likely to rise as further information becomes available,” a statement from FCO stated.

Britain also said it had recalled some of its Addis Ababa staff to Nairobi, adding that its High Commission in Nairobi has consular staff at the site and nearby hospitals.

Germany through Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle also condemned the attack, saying they hoped those responsible are brought to book.