The incident occurred around midday local time. The staff member, Gauthier Lefèvre, a French national, was returning with other ICRC staff to Al Geneina after completing a field trip north of the town to help local communities upgrade their water supply systems. He was travelling in one of two clearly marked ICRC vehicles when he was seized a few kilometres from the town.

The ICRC currently has no indication of who the abductors might be or of their motives. It is in contact with the authorities and other parties with the aim of resolving the situation as swiftly as possible.

Mr Lefèvre's family was informed of the incident immediately.

The ICRC is calling for the rapid and unconditional release of its kidnapped staff member.