Possible Kidnappings near Arlit, Niger

[Chris Scott]

Well spotted buy worth clarifying that according to Ennahar they: "were arrested on the road to the town of Tinzaouatine in the province [or wilaya] of Tamanrasset" which is the size of the UK.

Tin Z is 600km from Tam (and it has to be said, the one place the Algies would be watching out for these guys).

Ch

[Richard Washington]

Francoise Larribe has receieved a package of medicine.

Negotiations are described as difficult.

More details here:
Sick French hostage given medicine: News24: Africa: News

[roro]

"Reports that 3 terrorists from Abu Zeids group intercepted near Tamanrasset, destined for North Algeria with funds for Droukdal....apparently had 100,000Euros cash on them."

This kind of operation ican be one reason of the restriction of travel for tourist in the area..
RR

[Dave The Hat]

Droukdal saying to negotiate with Bin Laden for the release of the French hostages:

AQIM demands Afghan withdrawal in return for French hostages | News by Country | Reuters

[Ulrich]

Statement by YouTube:

The Conditions of the Mujahideen for the release of the French prisoners

Regards

Ulrich

[priffe]

Ennahar Online - Toumani convinced that the French hostages were dispersed
Mali rules out rescue mission for French hostages | Top News | Reuters

"Despite a painstaking intelligence operation, we have not learnt exactly where the hostages are," Toure told the newspaper. "It is certain that the kidnappers have separated the hostages into several groups. They never stay in the same place for lunch and dinner. They move around quickly."
Asked whether a military rescue operation was possible, he said: "The conditions are not in place."
The newspaper cited an unnamed source as saying France had received proof in recent days that the hostages were still alive.

The French are negotiating
France in contact with Mali hostage-takers | RFI

[Dave The Hat]

Ennahar Online - The seven hostages of AQIM are no longer in Mali

[priffe]

Long silence about the Areva kidnappings. At least they are said to be alive

Otages du Niger : « Ils sont vivants », selon la présidente d’Areva en visite à Marcoule - Temoust.org | Le portail du peuple touareg berbère Kel Tamasheq

Traveling at Marcoule (Gard) on Friday to inaugurate a manger, the president of Areva, Anne Lauvergeon discussed the fate of hostages kidnapped in Niger in September, including Daniel and Françoise Larribe Gard. "We know they are alive," she said, adding "think about them every day. We await their return. "

Ms. Lauvergeon remained discreet about the negotiations and the steps taken by Areva in this folder. The group also wants to repatriate French workers who are still in Niger, where it operates uranium mines. "But 99% of workers in the field, originated in the country," she said.

[priffe]

AFP: French, Malagasy, Togolese hostages freed in Niger

They were freed on Thursday, the president's office said in a statement.
Françoise Larribe, Jean-Claude Rakotorilalao and Alex Awando are from France, Madagascar and Togo, respectively, according to Agence France Presse.
They are all in good health, the statement from the president's office said.

[Chris Scott]

Nearly forgotten about with all that's going on...

Ennahar Online - AQIM claimed 90 million euros to free hostages in the Sahel

Ch

[Richard Washington]

90 million no doubt reflects the perceived value of uranium - given that the uraniium mine will feel responsible.

It is an order of magnitude escalation over previous ransoms.

[priffe]

At least they are alive
Ennahar Online - The kidnapping of the French in Niger by AQIM
AQIM Releases Video Of French Nationals Abducted In Niger

[Gottoride]

Hi All,

I can't find anything new about the French remaining in AQIM's hands - are they still alive? It's been a very long time now...

Kobus

[Richard Washington]

I think I'm right in saying that the French from Arlit have been held longer than any other hostage taken by AQIM (or GSPC) in the Sahara. Negotiations are no doubt bogged down with the complicated relationship France has with AQIM (officially at war), the fact that a company is involved and the size of the ransom. AQIM are also probably bolder now that they have the military kit fetched recently from Libya. Some say that AQIM are in a better position to defend their HQs, especially from helicopter attacks. AQIM may also be aware that many hostages in Somalia have been held for 10-12 months too.

Kobus - you must be one of the few westerners in the last year or so to pass through Arlit!

[priffe]

Ennahar Online - French hostages in Niger: families await "effective initiatives"
"July 5, the French Defence Minister Gerard Longuet stated about four French kidnapped in Niger: "We have no news, either positive or negative."

It is impossible for the French to pay any sort of ransom as things are. Otoh, they have met one of the demands - they are removing troops from Afghanistan.