WHO condemns abduction of colleague in Mali

WHO condemns abduction of colleague in Mali

Bamako – World Health Organization (WHO) deplores the abduction of Dr Mahamadou Diawara, who was taken by unidentified assailants from his car on 23 January 2023 in the town of Menaka in northern Mali.

Dr Diawara, deployed by WHO in Menaka since the beginning of 2020, has been leading efforts to provide medical care to communities that are often remote and face insecurity risks and violence. 

The driver of his car was also attacked, but the assailants left him behind and he is recovering from the incident.

The motive for the abduction is unclear.

WHO extends 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. 

For Additional Information or to Request Interviews, Please contact:
Vincent Defait

Communication Officer
Regional Office for Africa
Email: defaitv [at] who.int

Natalie Ridgard

Communication Officer
WHO Regional Office for Africa
Email: ridgardn [at] who.int
Tel: +254 11 289 0666

Saya Oka

Communications Officer, WHO Africa Health Emergencies Programme
Tel: +242 06 508 1009 
Email: okas [at] who.int