Rebel group cliams responsibility for the abduction of four persons including two Canadian diplomats in Niger

A rebel group (Front des Forces de Redressement – FFR) in Niger has claimed responsibility for the abduction of four persons. Two of the abducted persons are Canadian diplomats Robert Fowler, who is part of the UN envoy to check illegal arms trafficking in Niger, and Louis Guay. also a UN diplomat. The third person is said to be their driver, while the fourth person is still unknown. Head of the rebel group, Ag Boula, said in a communiqué that this operation is meant to educate the diplomatic corps who have been collaborating with the ruling government of Mamadou Tandja. According to him the hostages are doing well. The identity of the fourth person is still unknown.