RantCrush Top 5: July 20, 2017

Yesterday, all six members of a Burundi robotics team were reported missing after participating in a competition in Washington, D.C. The teenagers were last seen on Tuesday afternoon, right before the competition ended. Their adult mentor reportedly could not find them. But this morning, police said that two of the teens have been found in Canada and the other four are believed to be safe as well, although it’s unclear where. It seems like they left on their own accord.

Update: Two of the Burundi teens are reportedly in Canada. The other 4 are said to be in “safe hands.” https://t.co/4WsNtbKBZg

— Keith Boykin (@keithboykin) July 20, 2017

Burundi has been plagued by civil war and human rights issues in recent years. The U.S. issued a travel warning for Americans last month, highlighting political and criminal violence and potential civil unrest. Now it seems like the teenagers fled to apply for asylum in the U.S. or Canada. But spokespeople for the police and Trinity Washington University, where the teens stayed during their visit, have declined to offer any details. It’s unclear how the teens got as far as Canada, and whether they left any personal belongings behind.

Emma Von Zeipel

Emma Von Zeipel is a staff writer at Law Street Media. She is originally from one of the islands of Stockholm, Sweden. After working for Democratic Voice of Burma in Thailand, she ended up in New York City. She has a BA in journalism from Stockholm University and is passionate about human rights, good books, horses, and European chocolate. Contact Emma at EVonZeipel@LawStreetMedia.com.