Kidnapped on March 25 while campaigning for the legislative elections in the region of Timbuktu (north-west), former Malian opposition leader Soumaïla Cissé spent more than six months in the hands of terrorists.
The day after his release, he spoke to France 24 and came back to this painful ordeal: "The conditions were extremely basic, the climate is austere, the isolation is permanent. That said, there was no physical or verbal violence. "
The Malian politician, aged 70, felt lucky to be reunited with his family: "Today, I am happy to be free, I am reuniting with my family, my friends, and I am grateful to the many Malian and international supporters for whom I feel an infinite feeling of gratitude. "
Soumaïla Cissé regained freedom in Mali at the same time as two Italians and Sophie Pétronin, who was the last French hostage in the world.
The summary of the week
France 24 invites you to come back to the news that marked the week
I subscribe
Take international news everywhere with you!
Download the France 24 application
google-play-badge_FR