Dakar / Geneva (ICRC) – The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) today returned to Agadez four French
citizens who had been held by the Mouvement des Nigériens pour la justice (MNJ).
The MNJ handed the four civilians over to ICRC personnel in the Aïr area of northern Niger
after the ICRC, in its capacity as a neutral intermediary, had facilitated their release.
As part of the same operation, the MNJ placed a Nigerian citizen in the ICRC's care.
All
five civilians were brought safely to Agadez, where they were greeted by the authorities of Niger.
In operations conducted in June and July 2007 and in February and May 2008 the ICRC
facilitated the release of 37 individuals – 36 Nigerian citizens, most of whom were military personnel, and one Chinese citizen – held by the MNJ.
The ICRC reminds all those
concerned that they are obliged to respect the principles of humanity.
In particular, they must protect civilians and detainees.
The ICRC has been present on a permanent basis in
Niamey since 2004 and cooperates closely with the Red Cross Society of Niger.
In September 2007 it opened an office in Agadez.
Since 2000, it has been carrying out regular visits
to places of detention under the responsibility of the Nigerian authorities.
For further information, please contact:
Juan Coderque, ICRC Dakar, tel:+221 77 450 10 02 Marçal Izard, ICRC Geneva, tel: +41 22 730 24 58 or +41 79 217 32 24
