The incident occurred around 9 p.m. local time. The staff member, Laurent Maurice, an agronomist, was in the area to evaluate the most recent harvest. He was spending the night in Kawa, where the ICRC is supporting a primary health-care centre, with five of his Chadian colleagues.

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 Maurice's family was informed of the incident immediately. The ICRC's activities in eastern Chad have been suspended temporarily.

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