Westerners Kidnapped in Ethiopia

This has been a bad week for French nationals abroad. Four French were murdered in Saudi Arabia, three French were killed in Brazil and now 10 French have allegedly been kidnapped in Ethiopia. To make matters worse, it also appears that some British citizens were taken along with the French.

Ten French tourists were kidnapped in northern Ethiopia today by unknown people, a businessman and a tour operator who work in the region said.

The tourists were in a convoy of four vehicles in Dalol, 800 kilometres north-east of Addis Ababa, travelling to salt mines in the Afar region when they were kidnapped, said the businessman, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

As for the Brits, another source reports that five British citizens have gone missing along with the French nationals. One is believed to be Rossanna Moore, wife of Michael Moore, Director of the British Council in Ethiopia.

Unfortunately, the location of the alleged kidnappings is quite remote and in difficult terrain so it may take time to sort out the entire story. A rebel group, the Afar Revolutionary Democratic Unity Front (Arduf), is known to operate in the area and it may be responsible for the kidnappings.

No official confirmation of the kidnappings has been reported by Ethiopian authorities. Tony Blair has been informed and is waiting for details.

Companion post at The Jawa Report.