Five years ago the murder of Luca Attanasio. Mattarella: "He embodies the noble ideals of Italy"

“In the dramatic scenario of crisis that still plagues the Democratic Republic of Congo, the memory of the Ambassador Attanasio and its mission remains as exemplary as ever. His dedication embodies the noble ideals of Italy republican who looks at the African continent with a spirit of cooperation and feelings of humanity”. President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarellain a passage of the message he sent to the mayor of the Municipality of Limbiate, Antonio Domenico Romeo, and to the Ambassador’s family murdered five years ago in an attack together with the Selected Carabiniere Vittorio Iacovacci e all’autistic Mustapha Milambo.

“The value of the daily commitment of the servants of the Italian Republic who, with courage and a sense of duty, operate in territories marked by instability and danger – adds the Head of State – is reflected in the figure of Luca Attanasio and those who were with him. The demonstrations promoted by the Municipality of Limbiate represent a fair tribute to those who have fallen in the fulfillment of duty. In expressing gratitude to the organizers and to those who are present today, I am sure that the sacrifice of Ambassador Attanasio and those who accompanied him will remain living heritage of everyone’s collective memory”, he concludes.

Tajani: witness of solidarity values

“On the day of the fifth anniversary of the tragic death of Ambassador Luca Attanasio and the Carabiniere Scelto Vittorio Iacovacci, we remember their sacrifice together with the entire Farnesina and our diplomatic network. Having fallen in the Democratic Republic of Congo in the fulfillment of their duty in the service of Italy, with their work they have testified to the values ​​of solidarity, dialogue and closeness to the most fragile communities that guide our country’s international action. Their example continues to inspire our daily commitment. We will always cherish his memory with gratitude and respect” said the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani.

The memory of his wife

“Il February 22, 2021 our lives have changed forever. My husband Luca left us while he was carrying out his service, together with the carabiniere Vittorio Iacovacci and the driver Mustapha Milambo. Today my thoughts also go to their families, united with us by a pain that accompanies us every day.” So Zakia Seddiki, wife of Luca Attanasio. “Luca – adds Zakia, founder of the Mama Sofia humanitarian association – is a presence who continue to live in the values ​​he passed on to us, in his way of looking at others with respect, in his ability to believe in dialogue and in the concrete possibility of building bridges. He deeply loved his job and the people he met. He believed that peace was built every day, with responsibility and with simple but courageous gestures. The pain doesn’t go away, it transforms. His example remains, his humanity, his smile.”

“What he sowed remains,” he concludes.

The armed attack 5 years ago

Five years ago Luca Attanasio was killed, ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo from 2017 until his death on February 22, 2021. He was 43 years old, married and the father of three young daughters. Much more than a diplomat whose tragic death is remembered, as many have testified. Two other people were murdered together with him, the policeman who was escorting them and their driver. He was born in 1977 in Saronno and began his diplomatic career in 2003, working in various locations, including Switzerland, Morocco and Nigeria.

A diplomat who had added his great human qualities to his professional skills. Sensitive to the various social emergencies of the African continent as well as active in many aid programs promoted by the Community of Sant’Egidioin 2020 he received the Nasiriyah International Peace Prize “for his commitment to safeguarding peace among peoples”.

Attanasio was assassinated in a armed attack against a World Food Program (WFP) convoyHimnear Goma, in eastern Congo. The carabiniere Vittorio Iacovacci and the Congolese driver Mustapha Milambo also died in the attack. The circumstances of the attack remain controversial, but there has been speculation that an attempted kidnapping ended tragically. There are still too many shadows over that ambush. Attanasio was known “for his humanitarian commitment and for his open and dialogue approach, which had made him a highly appreciated figure both in Italy and in Africa”.