Unknown gunmen have abducted a medical doctor working for the World Health Organization (WHO), in eastern Mali the UN agency said in a statement.
Mahamadou Diawara, a medical official leading efforts to provide health care to remote communities facing insecurity risks and violence was reportedly forced away by some armed men.
On Monday, Mr Diawara was taken from his car in the town of Menaka, located in an eastern region where militant groups linked to Al Qaeda and Daesh are active. His driver, now receiving medical care, was also brutalised but was left at the scene.
While the motive of the abduction is unknown, the WHO condemned his abduction and called for his immediate release.
Diawara was sent to Menaka at the start of 2020. He has since then been leading efforts to provide medical care to remote communities at risk of violence.
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However, WHO has extended sympathies to his family; “our sympathies to the family of Dr Diawara and is working with local authorities to investigate the abduction and ensure our colleague’s quick return to his family.”
