Skip to main content

RSF urges authorities to secure release of French journalist kidnapped by jihadists in Mali

REPORTERS Without Borders (RSF) has called on the French and Malian authorities to do all they can to secure the release of journalist Olivier Dubois, who was kidnapped by Islamists nearly two weeks ago.

In a message released on Saturday the head of the RSF Africa desk Arnaud Froger said that time was critical for the freelance journalist, who writes for the news magazine Le Point and the Liberation newspaper.

Mr Dubois was taken hostage in Mali’s Gao region on May 5 and released a video appeal shortly afterwards, confirming that he was being held by Jama’a Nusrat al-Islam wa al-Muslimin, an offshoot of al-Qaida.

In a message to his friends and family Mr Dubois said he hoped that the French authorities would intervene and “do everything possible to free me.”

Although the news reached Paris on the day he was abducted, the government did not release the details for a few days as it hoped to be able to negotiate Mr Dubois’ freedom.

“Dubois was an experienced reporter who knows Mali well, he was abducted when he went to the meeting place that had been arranged for an interview,” Mr Froger said. 

“RSF was informed shortly after he went missing but, like the media outlets that employ him, took the decision not to report his abduction in order not to hamper the possibility of a rapid positive outcome.”

France has previously struck deals with jihadist groups in Mali, including Jama’a Nusrat al-Islam wa al-Muslimin, who held French humanitarian worker Sophie Petronin hostage for four years. 

She was freed last year a ransom was paid and 200 Islamists were released from Malian prisons.

But two French journalists, Ghislaine Dupont and Claude Verlon, were murdered in Mali in 2013 and Mr Froger said that now was the time to mobilise to ensure Mr Dubois doesn’t meet the same fate.

“We urge the Malian and French authorities to do everything possible to obtain his release and we offer our full support to his family and friends,” he said.

OWNED BY OUR READERS

We're a reader-owned co-operative, which means you can become part of the paper too by buying shares in the People’s Press Printing Society.

 

 

Become a supporter

Fighting fund

You've Raised:£ 13,288
We need:£ 4,712
3 Days remaining
Donate today