MSF Press Release, Paris, June 13, 2007 – On Monday June 11, 2007, Elsa Serfass was struck by a bullet while travelling in the Ngaoundai region of northwest Central African Republic (CAR). She died at 12.30pm local time.

Elsa was travelling with two other Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) staff to Ngaoundai for the purpose of evaluating the health needs in the area. The rebel group the Popular Army for the Restoration of Democracy (APRD) is known to be active in this region. MSF duly informed in advance leaders of this group, as well as the other parties to the conflict, of the team’s movements. Elsa and her colleagues were travelling in a vehicle clearly identified with the MSF logo. Continue Reading »

The tragic death of Elsa Serfass is a terrible shock for MSF and we mourn her loss. Our thoughts are with her family and friends.

Paris/Bangui, June 11, 2007: It is with great sadness that Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has learned of the death of one of its volunteers in the Central African Republic. Elsa Serfass, a 27-year-old French citizen, was killed today by gunfire during an assessment mission in the northwestern part of the country. Ms. Serfass was on her first assignment with MSF, working as a logistician.

Elsa was based in Paoua, working in MSF’s project providing assistance to victims of ongoing violence. The northwest region of the Central African Republic is in the grip of a conflict between rebel groups and armed government forces. Criminal acts are also frequent and armed highway robbers often take advantage of the instability. Continue Reading »