"We confirm the kidnapping of two of our colleagues this morning between Gao and Kidal", said the ICRC, adding that the agency had been present in Mali for 32 years, and was "a neutral, independent and impartial organization".
"We ask not to speculate on this incident so as not to hinder its resolution", the organization cautioned. Aminata Alassane, a public relations representative with ICRC Mali confirmed to kidnapping to AFP and said it had taken place on the road.
"The ICRC deplores (the incident) and demands the release of its collaborators," she said.
Abductions in Mali are not new, says the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) which recorded 935 kidnapping incidents in Mali since 2017. The group notes that a majority of kidnappings in the past have been targeted against foreigners, but now attacks have been focused on Malians.
A majority of kidnappings are perpetrated by jihadist groups, at least 46.6% between January 2012 and July 2021 were attributed to jihadists, the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) found. Those who are kidnapped are used as ransom, revenge, or as a tool to separate locals from outside sources and authorities.
At least 33.1% of kidnappings are committed by unidentified groups.
A World Health Organization (WHO) doctor named Diawara Mahamadou was abducted in Mali in late January was finally released on February 2. He was not harmed and the identity of those who had abducted him remains unknown.
The 11-year violence and unrest in Mali which was sparked by a jihadist insurgency in the north has also spread to the neighboring countries of Burkina Faso and Niger.