Just 19 months ago, this Tuesday, November 8, 2022, Olivier Dubois was kidnapped and taken hostage in Mali. This French journalist, who works in particular for Release, Point and Young Africa, was on assignment in Gao, where he was to interview a member of the Support Group for Islam and Muslims (Jnim). He has since been held hostage, and appeared in two videos, two proofs of life, in which he explains himself to be in the hands of this group linked to al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb.
The French authorities recently assured his family that Olivier was doing well and that they remained mobilized to try to obtain his release. This is also what the Malian authorities have repeatedly affirmed. Pending his return, RFI offers his family, every 8th of the month, to send messages to Olivier Dubois. In the hope that he could hear them, where he is, which he himself had confirmed in the last proof of life transmitted by his captors, in March 2022.
We also do not forget our Malian colleague Moussa M’Bana Dicko, kidnapped on April 18, 2021 in the center of the country. A thought also for all the other hostages, whether journalists or not, detained in Mali or elsewhere.
My love, I hope where you are, you are well. Me, I hold on tight. October and always special for you. It is the month of the one who made you discover the journey, even in the sky, be sure that she continues to watch over you and that he is proud of you and your strength. You have to think about a lot of things, but we don’t change the past. We learn and we move forward. I too learned a lot. I can’t wait to move forward by your side until the end of your life. I love you more than anything. Don’t give up my love, we need you at home.
Déborah Al Hawi Al Masri, companion of Olivier Dubois, and the children of Olivier Dubois
My son, because the real despair is indifference, for 19 months now, we have been doing everything so that your current fate is not forgotten. Our determination to inform citizens of what you are going through and to solicit senior decision-makers for you continues. As long as there is life, there is hope. You know for me, your absence is difficult, far too long. All my thoughts and affection for you, my son. Keep hope, I kiss you.
Olivier Dubois’ mother
As they say, no news. Good news, so there’s no need to worry. But what credit can you give to this old adage, when you, Olivier Dubois, have been captive for 19 months now. How not to worry about knowing you’re in the bogged down sand? How not to be alarmed on a daily basis when your Liberation has still not been announced? How not to be tormented when, since March 13, 2022, no new video of you has been released? How and when will you return to France? Mom, Benjamin, thousands of citizens and I are still waiting for the answer to this question posed to the President of the Republic since the summer. Wherever you are, I hope that by RFI, you will receive all my thoughts.
Canèle Bernard, sister of Olivier Dubois
Hi Olivier, it is with constant pleasure that I send you this short message which I think will give you immense pleasure. On our side, the days pass, but we believe that this brings us closer to your release. The whole family thinks a lot about you, we are waiting for you with great hope. See you soon and come back to us in shape. Your father who loves you.
André-Georges Dubois, father of Olivier Dubois and his sister Valérye Dubois
►Also read: A year and a half of captivity in Mali for the French journalist Olivier Dubois