Disappearance Of Quebec Woman In Burkina Faso Considered Kidnapping

The disappearance of a Quebec woman in Burkina Faso is being treated as a kidnapping, Canadian officials said Sunday.

Edith Blais, 34, and her Italian travel companion, Luca Tacchetto, 30, were last heard from in the western city of Bobo-Dioulasso on Dec. 15.

The office of International Development Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau told Radio-Canada that despite not having any confirmation, they are approaching the case as they would a kidnapping. Her office declined further comment.

Global Affairs Canada said it is treating Blais's case as "extremely high priority."

Blais's family says she and Tacchetto​ were planning on driving to Burkina Faso's capital, Ouagadougou, where they intended to stay for a few days and possibly sell their car before heading to neighbouring Togo.

Jocelyne Bergeron, Blais's mother, told Radio-Canada that there has been an immense outpouring since her family launched an online effort to locate her daughter.

"In this sadness, in this anguish, we feel supported, as we never thought we could be supported," said Bergeron. "It's amazing. Thank you to everyone who gets involved or who has positive thoughts for us."

Bergeron said all the family has come together to help during this difficult time.