Monday, January 17, 2011

Kidnapping causes cancellation of study-abroad program

This from today's Chronicle of Higher Education:

Kidnapping Prompts Boston U. to Cancel Study-Abroad Program in Niger

January 17, 2011, 11:33 am

Boston University has canceled its 20-year-old study-abroad program in the African nation of Niger, following the slaying of two French citizens who were abducted from a bar/restaurant in Niamey, Niger’s capital, that is frequented by Boston University students. The French nationals were kidnapped on January 7, possibly by agents of an Al Qaeda affiliate in North Africa, and the university posted a notice canceling the program on January 11. Citing the U.S. Embassy’s decision to strictly limit the movements of its personnel in Niamey, the university said the “heightened level of risk” was unacceptable. The Boston Globe reported that 15 students had been scheduled to spend the spring semester in Niger.

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