Kidnappers release humanitarian workers

Kidnappers have released three humanitarian workers they seized in Burundi's southern Makamba Province, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) reported on Saturday. One of the kidnapped workers is an employee of the committee. "He was exhausted, but otherwise unharmed," the committee reported. The three were released on Friday. "We express thanks to all those who provided support and assistance during this difficult period," the committee said. It added that it remained concerned about the increasing incidence of abductions "and the volatile security situation" in Makamba. On Thursday, the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), employer of one of the workers, issued a statement saying that the kidnappers, whose identity remained unknown, had demanded a ransom for their release. NRC said it, as well as all involved organisations, had rejected the ransom demand "in fear of the long-term consequences". The third worker is an employee of another NGO, the German Technical Cooperation who, together with the committee employee, was kidnapped on 12 July after their car was attacked. The council employee was abducted in a separate incident. "We call upon the government of Burundi to step up efforts to ensure the safe delivery of humanitarian assistance to those in need," the committee said.