French journalist Olivier Dubois is therefore free after more than 700 days spent in the hands of his captors from the Support Group for Islam and Muslims (Jnim). After this release, we can begin to ask questions about the underside of this release and that of another hostage, an American humanitarian, Jeffery Woodke.
Upon their return, the two hostages thanked France and Niger, says Gaelle Laleix, from RFI’s Africa service. THE EUnited States, meanwhile, expressed their gratitude to Niamey for “ allowed to return home by Jeffrey Woodke, said Jake Sullivan, the US national security adviser. A great secrecy surrounds the conditions of release of the two hostages. The involvement of theEstate in the negotiations, on the other hand, is no longer in doubt. About ten days before the release of Olivier Dubois, the chief of staff of the Nigerien army arrived in Bamako where he was received by the president of the transition, Colonel Assimi Goïta, writes our regional correspondent, Serge Daniel. The senior Nigerian officially came to talk about the security problems between the two countries which have a common border. Was the fate of the journalist mentioned discreetly?
Liberation of Olivier Dubois: special edition of March 21
Accelerate the process
The certainty is that, as relations between the French government and the Malian military deteriorated, negotiations with the kidnappers of Olivier Dubois did not really progress. Paris therefore asked Niamey to speed up the process. But the two kidnapped men being on Malian territory, it took the cooperation of ” field men “. There is more and more talk of a known mediator from the Malian region of Kidal. He would have played a central role between the Nigerien authorities and the jihadists.
Since February 2022, the authorities have initiated discussions with terrorist groups. A first success was met in August, with the release of an American nun, Sister Suellen Tennyson. Sources close to the case then assured RFI that no ransom had been paid. A member of an armed group had however been released.
Antony Blinken’s visit
The payment of a ransom for the release of Olivier Dubois and Jeffrey Woodke ” seems a scenario far from the truth confides an adviser to the Nigerien presidency. The end of their captivity comes a few days after the visit to Niamey of the secretary ofEAmerican state, Anthony Blinken. Tangible proof of a solid partnership.
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