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Conflicting reports about French nationals held by rebels in Central African Republic

Bakouma lawmaker Alima Diarra said the rebels seized five French nationals and two locals. But there are conflicting reports over whether the seven were hostages……French authorities are talking with local authorities and Areva about what to do next.

Foreigners not held in Central African Republic, The Telegraph June 26, 2012  By HIPPOLYTE MARBOUA — Associated Press BANGUI, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC — Authorities in the Central African Republic said that rebels had released the foreigners they were holding after attacking a French uranium exploration site, even though officials with the company in France denied that the expatriates had ever been kidnapped.

A military official in Bakouma, where the site is, said that a plane was sent to pick up five French nationals and two locals to take them to the capital, Bangui. Rebels on Sunday attacked the exploration site in Bakouma, operated by French company Areva.

A resident in Bakouma said Tuesday that hundreds of rebels attacked
the site on Sunday and took computers and looted houses. The resident,
who would not give his name for security reasons, said there were not
enough soldiers to fight the rebels. The resident said the rebels were
a part of the Lord’s Resistance Army, led by Joseph Kony, who is
thought to be in the country. But others said the rebels were part of
a group from Chad.

Bakouma lawmaker Alima Diarra said the rebels seized five French nationals and two locals. But there are conflicting reports over whether the seven were hostages……French authorities are talking with local authorities and Areva about what to do next.
http://www.macon.com/2012/06/26/2074170/rebels-seize-hostages-in-central.html#storylink=cpy

June 27, 2012 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | AFRICA, incidents