It seems to have gone largely unnoticed by the media in the US, but France is reeling from the massacre of 6 of its citizens in Niger, West Africa on Sunday. The six aid workers, who worked for a French NGO (Acted), were riding with their local guide and driver in a game preserve for giraffes when they were attacked by a group of men on motor scooters and shot to death. In all, 8 are dead. Their 4x4 vehicle was completely burned out.
Thus far, there are no claims of responsibility, but jihadist groups are suspected since they have been active in this area, and motor scooters is their favored mode of transport. Niger is a former French colony, and the French have been leading a coalition of African and European military forces against the jihadists.
There is a wide range of reaction in France including one online poll by Le Figaro as to whether France should increase its military involvement in the region (59-no, 40 yes). One French blogger (Riposte Laïque) has written an article accusing Western NGOs of arrogance and paternalism vis-a-vis the Africans they are trying to assist. (Viewer warning: Link has graphic photo of murder scene.)
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