French national kidnapped in Mali

[FromHere2Timbuktu]

My experience concurs with kirkley here quoted.

Just to update the security situation - it is still no-go in Mali north of Gao. especially no going north from Aguelhoc to Tessalit. But, as Kirkley says the region itself - if amongst the Tuareg - is ok, only dangerous if you are travelling obviously as tourists.

Reading all the comments in this thread, having been away from here for a while, it strikes me that there is one simple question that has never been answered:

It is widely known EXACTLY where the group being called AQIM are holed up. If they really were who we say they are, and if there was a genuine war on terrorism going on in the Sahara, why havent they been wiped out? With all the military in the region, both western and Malian and Algerian, supposedly cross border support, supposedly western support to root out AL Quaeda, no collateral damage to worry about.... where's the issue?

Seems a much easier task than other fronts on the war on terror! And why let this front develop unchallenged?

Originally Posted by kirkley

A brief update from kidal:

The situation is calm, and in all appearances, nothing has changed -- except that all the foreign nationals are in a panic. The North is essentially evacuated of all foreign aid workers for the moment. The French have pulled their staff, the Belgians seem likely too as well. The American Peace Corps are long gone.

What is the threat of the Salafist? It's difficult to say. Generally speaking, you are safe in town. But it's probably advised to stay out of the "brousse" for the moment, at least in the area of Tessalit, the fronteir of Algeria, and definitely around Menaka.

If you do go in brousse wear long sleeves and a turban. Travel in groups. This is good advice at any times due to the petty banditry (and let's be frank, the Salafists who are kidnapping and stealing cars are nothing but a pathetic desert mafia) that's par the course.

Although there is a general "the sky is falling" panic, again, there's nothing to indicate anything is different than it has been for the past 10 years. Gao is fine. Timbouctou is safe. Essakane is going to happen, and, like always, they'll be more security than toubabs.

And lastly, remember in the North; regardless of the Salafists intentions, they're not at home here. They're carrying out banditry in a region that is hostile to them, in an area filled with former Tuareg rebels armed to the teeth. If they are able to carry out any activity, it's not due to their strength, but to the geography of the desert.

Christopher
sahelsounds

[roro]

"It is widely known EXACTLY where the group being called AQIM are holed up. If they really were who we say they are, and if there was a genuine war on terrorism going on in the Sahara, why havent they been wiped out? With all the military in the region, both western and Malian and Algerian, supposedly cross border support, supposedly western support to root out AL Quaeda, no collateral damage to worry about.... where's the issue?"

Yes, good question!
RR.

[Richard Washington]

Originally Posted by H2T

" no collateral damage to worry about.... where's the issue?"
RR.

There are 3 hostages still being held in NE Mali. Any raid now would be a problem for them.

[priffe]

Most kidnappings have taken place in fall/winter and then the hostages have been released spring/early summer. So there's been time enough to strike.
If they wanted to.
The Spaniards my be free soon, the Frenchman who knows how Paris will handle him.
Let's hope some action is then taken.

[Richard Washington]

Originally Posted by priffe

Most kidnappings have taken place in fall/winter and then the hostages have been released spring/early summer. So there's been time enough to strike.

The Malian army did have a go - but they got whipped and many were killed. They sneaked up on AQIM but then decided to rest for the night. During the night AQIM siezed the initiative - as any decent military force would.

There hasn't yet been a moment with all hostages free + the joint command centre (Algeria, Mauri, Mali and Niger) in place. The joint command was set up a few months back and the Spanish have been held all the time since. So the test of will is still coming. Don't hold your breathe though.

[priffe]

If their whereabouts were known when they were playing around on that video last summer - with all the leaders present! - boy what a moment to strike.

[jonathanhfxns]

Spy chief called French hostage ‘secret agent’ - The Globe and Mail

Another mention of M Camette as a French agent and some discussion of hostage taking in the Saharan region- in the midst of some Canadian politics.