Canada asks Mali to find missing diplomats in Niger

Canada asks Mali to find missing diplomats in Niger

Il y a 5 heures

BAMAKO (AFP) — Canada has sought Mali's help to find two Canadian diplomats, including the UN envoy to neighbouring Niger, who vanished over two weeks ago near the Malian border, sources here said Tuesday.

"Canada has asked Mali's help and support to help the search for its two lost diplomats," a Malian diplomatic source told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity.

"We responded that we would do everything to help Canada, a friendly nation," the source added.

Efforts to secure the release of the UN envoy to Niger Robert Fowler, his assistant Louis Guay, and their driver, who disappeared without trace in the West African country, have been shrouded in secrecy.

Authorities in Niger have said they are doing all they can to trace the diplomats.

The men's car was discovered on December 15 beside a road in an apparently trouble-free area close to the Niger capital Niamey. Its engine was running, with the indicator on. The vehicle's doors were wide open.

Three mobile phones, a camera and a jacket had been left inside.

The men were returning from a visit the previous day to a gold mine operated by Canadian company Semafo, west of Niamey.

A Tuareg rebel group initially said it had kidnapped the men, before retracting the claim the same day.

Investigators have also combed the river Niger, which flows through the area where the men disappeared. Their trip, to the Samira area, entailed crossing the river by ferry.
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