Release of Olivier Dubois and Jeffery Woodke: what role did Niger play?

French journalist Olivier Dubois is free after more than 700 days in the hands of his captors from the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims. AFP - SOULEYMANE AG ANARA

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French journalist Olivier Dubois is free after more than 700 days in the hands of his captors from the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (Jnim). After this release, we can begin to wonder about the underside of this release and that of another hostage, an American humanitarian, Jeffery Woodke.

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On their return, the two hostages thanked France and Niger, says Gaëlle Laleix, RFI's Africa service. The United States, meanwhile, expressed gratitude to Niamey for "allowing Jeffrey Woodke to return home," said Jake Sullivan, the U.S. national security adviser. A great secrecy surrounds the conditions of release of the two hostages. However, the involvement of the Nigerien State in negotiations 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 Nigerien officer officially came to talk about security problems between the two countries that share a common border. Was the fate of the journalist mentioned discreetly?

Liberation of Olivier Dubois: special edition of 21 March

Speed up the process

The certainty is that, as relations between the French government and the Malian military deteriorated, negotiations with Olivier Dubois' kidnappers 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 the "men on the ground". There is growing talk of a mediator known in the Malian region of Kidal. He would have played a central role between the Nigerien authorities and the jihadists.

Since February 2022, authorities have begun 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 had then assured RFI that no ransom had been paid. A member of an armed group was 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," says an adviser to the Nigerien presidency. The end of their captivity comes a few days after the visit to Niamey of the US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken. Tangible proof of a strong partnership.

► Read also: Release of Olivier Dubois: relatives and supporters of the French journalist between joy and relief

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  • Mali
  • Niger
  • France
  • Terrorism
  • Human rights