The French government assured Friday that it remained fully committed to the release of journalist Olivier Dubois kidnapped in Mali, after the withdrawal this week of the Barkhane force from this country plagued by the spread of jihadism.
"The withdrawal of Operation Barkhane from Mali in no way diminishes France's mobilization to free Mr. Olivier Dubois," Deputy Foreign Affairs spokesman François Delmas told the press.
The last French soldier left Mali after nine years of engagement against the jihadists.
The junta in power in Bamako since the August 2020 putsch has turned away from France and its allies to turn towards Russia.
"Every effort is being made to obtain the release of our compatriot," said François Delmas as Olivier Dubois' 500th day of captivity approached on Sunday.
Removed April 8, 2021
The freelance journalist, who has lived and worked in Mali since 2015, himself announced his kidnapping in a video posted on social networks on May 5, 2021. He explained there that he had been kidnapped on April 8 in Gao, in northern Mali. , by the Support Group for Islam and Muslims (GSIM), the main jihadist alliance in the Sahel, linked to Al-Qaeda.
He is the only French hostage listed in the world.
His family has appealed for a postcard to be sent to President Emmanuel Macron as the 500th day of captivity approaches asking him when Olivier Dubois will be released.
The Deputy Foreign Affairs Spokesperson assured that the French authorities maintained regular contact with his relatives.
He reiterated that when it comes to kidnappings, “discretion is an essential condition for the effectiveness of State action and the safety of people”.
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