Who the kidnapped employees are or where they came from has not been disclosed. The ICRC warns against speculation, because it could stand in the way of a solution. The organization also emphasizes that it is ‘neutral, independent and impartial’.
Unrest
Kidnappings are common in Mali, which has been ravaged for years by intense political and military unrest. Another World Health Organization (WHO) doctor was kidnapped in January and released in February.
The country in the Sahel has about 20 million inhabitants and has experienced three military coups since 2012. Since the last coup in 2021, the country has been led by a pro-Russian military government.
