Two Red Cross employees kidnapped in Mali

Who the kidnapped employees are or where they are from has not been revealed. The ICRC warns against speculation, as it could stand in the way of a solution. The organization also stresses that it is “neutral, independent and impartial”.

Disorders

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 Sahel country has a population of around 20 million and has experienced three military coups since 2012. Since the last coup in 2021, the country has been ruled by a pro-Russian military government.