After months of receiving no word on the condition of a kidnapped Alberta journalist, it appears she is now pleading for help.

Alberta journalist Amanda Lindhout and her Australian photographer Nigel Brennan allegedly spoke by phone Sunday to a French news agency. The agency said Lindhout was sobbing and appeared to be reading or reciting a statement.

Lindhout is quoted as saying, " The situation here is very dire and the conditions are very bad."

She also said they get no clean water, are fed only once a day and are kept alone in a dark, windowless room. Lindhout also pointed out that she has been ill for months and said unless her family and friends can raise $1 million, she will die in Somalia.

Last August, Lindhout was kidnapped along with Brennan as they travelled to a refugee camp in Elasha, which is about 18 kilometres southwest of Mogadishu.

The 27-year-old, had been working for French TV station France 24, and had previously reported from Afghanistan, Iraq and throughout Africa.