Ethe French journalist Olivier Duboishas been released almost two years after his kidnapping by jihadists in Mali.
He arrived this Monday at the Niamey airport, in Niger, together with Jeffery Woodkean American humanitarian worker who has been held captive since 2016.
Dubois, was kidnapped on April 8, 2021 in Mali, by Islamists linked to Al Qaeda. He was smiling and excited: “It’s kind of awesome with all these microphones, I’m the one who usually has the microphone. I just want to say that obviously it’s huge for me to be here; to be free. I didn’t expect it at all. I wanted to pay tribute to Niger and its expertise in this type of delicate mission, and also to France and all those who have allowed me to be here today.”
The hostages were rescued by the Nigerian authorities before being handed over to the French and US authorities.
The French President, Emmanuel Macronexpressed his “immense relief” and his “great gratitude to Niger for this release” after speaking by phone with the journalist.
The White House also declared itself “relieved” by the release.
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