Mistaken identity linked to Britons' disappearance
The tour was visiting the Afar region in north-eastern Ethiopia
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Monday, 05, Mar 2007 08:08
Five Britons who have gone missing in Ethiopia may be the victims of "mistaken identity", the British ambassador to the African state has said.
Robert Dewar today said that the embassy staff in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa are "working hard" to locate their missing colleagues and relatives, who disappeared four days ago.
The Britons, who were all embassy staff or their relatives, disappeared along with their 13 Ethiopian drivers and guides four days ago in the inhospitable Afar region, where they were being taken on a tour.
It is believed that they may have been taken hostage – fears which intensified today after images of the vehicles the group were travelling in were shown with bullet holes in the doors.
A ten-strong team of British officials, reportedly including a senior hostage negotiator, arrived in the African country on Saturday and are attempting to secure the British nationals' release.
It has also been reported that a crack team of more than 60 SAS troops have been sent to neighbouring Djibouti in readiness to launch a "storm" operation to rescue the Britons.
The Foreign Office has declined to comment on any possible special forces operation, but Mr Dewar today confirmed that British officials were treating suggestions of a kidnapping seriously.
"If, as has been speculated, the group is being held against their will, it may be they have been victims of mistaken identity," the ambassador said in a statement.
"Whatever the case, there will be those in the community who are willing and able to facilitate their safe return.
"We stand ready to hear from anyone with information relating to the group's disappearance. I would urge anyone who thinks they can help to contact the British embassy or the Ethiopian authorities, via a community leader if necessary."
Mr Dewar added that both men and women were among those who disappeared.
"My thoughts and prayers are with the families of all of those involved," he said.
"They are husbands, fathers and sons; wives, mothers and daughters. Their families miss them terribly and want them home."
Ethiopia initially pointed the finger for the apparent kidnap at Eritrean soldiers but the Eritrean government has dismissed these reports.
The Afar depression, also known as the Danakil depression, is one of the lowest points in Africa, situated 500 miles north-east of Addis Ababa.
Despite the presence of separatist militants it is a popular region for adventure tourists.
A statement issued by foreign secretary Margaret Beckett on Friday said the British government would be liaising with its Ethiopian counterpart to "ensure that the situation is resolved peacefully".
The Foreign Office has advised British nationals against all travel to the Afar and Danakil regions.