France confirms kidnapping of female national in Mali

A female French humanitarian worker has been kidnapped in Mali, the French Foreign Ministry said Sunday.

Sophie Petronin, who runs a nongovernmental organization to help children suffering from malnutrition, was abducted on Saturday in Gao, the largest city in northern Mali, said the ministry.

The French authorities are working with the Malian government to seek the release of Petronin, the ministry said.

The abduction was reported by the Malian Ministry of Security on Saturday night. Endi