French journalist Olivier Dubois, a correspondent for Libération and Jeune Afrique, was abducted in April 2021 by the extremist group Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) in northern Mali. What was supposed to be an interview turned into a harrowing 711-day captivity in the Malian desert.
During his ordeal, Dubois was often chained, endured harsh conditions, and survived on minimal food. To keep his sanity, he secretly documented his experiences, saying, "I am a journalist. Let’s continue to gather information, let’s continue to ask questions."
The circumstances of his abduction remain unclear. Investigations suggest his fixer may have had ties to French intelligence, possibly using the setup to track extremist leaders. Dubois later admitted he overlooked warning signs and had misplaced trust in his contacts.
Kidnappings have surged in the Sahel region, where groups like JNIM use them to instill fear and secure ransoms. Dubois was finally released on March 20, 2023, in Niger, though the details of his freedom remain undisclosed. His story highlights the immense risks journalists face in conflict zones and the blurred lines between reporting and danger.
During his ordeal, Dubois was often chained, endured harsh conditions, and survived on minimal food. To keep his sanity, he secretly documented his experiences, saying, "I am a journalist. Let’s continue to gather information, let’s continue to ask questions."
The circumstances of his abduction remain unclear. Investigations suggest his fixer may have had ties to French intelligence, possibly using the setup to track extremist leaders. Dubois later admitted he overlooked warning signs and had misplaced trust in his contacts.
Kidnappings have surged in the Sahel region, where groups like JNIM use them to instill fear and secure ransoms. Dubois was finally released on March 20, 2023, in Niger, though the details of his freedom remain undisclosed. His story highlights the immense risks journalists face in conflict zones and the blurred lines between reporting and danger.
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