UN, US demand release of kidnapped Burkina Faso women

The UN, the US and France have called for the unconditional release of dozens of women kidnapped in Burkina Faso’s northern Soum province between 12 and 13 January.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said he was “alarmed” by the kidnappings in “the first attack of this type deliberately targeting women” in Burkina Faso.

The US State Department said it was deeply concerned.

“Those abducted must be returned safely to their loved ones immediately and unconditionally, and those responsible should be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” State Department spokesperson Ned Price said in a statement.

In a statement, France condemned the kidnappings and called for the women’s immediate release.

No group has said it was behind the abductions but the kidnappings took place in an area where militants are active.