Hostage aid workers go on hunger strike

Sunday 30 July 2000 19:00 EDT

Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Two aid workers with the French agency Action Against Hunger (ACF) who were taken hostage in the Somali capital Mogadishu last week have begun a hunger strike, the newspaper Ayaamaha reported yesterday.

Jonathan Ward, aged 31, a British logistics worker, and French administrator Francoise Deutsch, 46, were abducted last Wednesday by around 20 heavily-armed militiamen.

The newspaper said they had been allowed access to a mobile phone to enable them to contact their headquarters and families on Saturday.

Sources close to the militia said there were hopes they might be released soon.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Thank you for registering

Hostage aid workers go on hunger strike

Bookmark popover

Join our commenting forum

Thank you for registering