Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North Africa
North Africa Topics specific to North Africa and the Sahara down to the 17th parallel (excludes Morocco)
Photo by Helmut Koch - Vivid autumn colors in Canada

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Helmut Koch
Vivid autumn colors in Canada



Trans Sahara Routes.

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 8 Jan 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: F
Posts: 856
2 kidnappings (french) in Niamey

Details (in French) :

[url=http://www.lemonde.fr/afrique/article/2011/01/08/deux-francais-enleves-au-niger_1462620_3212.html#ens_id=1411819]Deux Fran
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 8 Jan 2011
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,878
BBC version

BBC News - Gunmen kidnap two Frenchmen in Niamey, Niger
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 8 Jan 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: London and all over West Africa
Posts: 678
Same old story, seems they got away though are being pursued:

UPDATE 1-Niger forces and kidnappers clash near Mali border | News by Country | Reuters
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 8 Jan 2011
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,878
Reports in the French press tonight suggest the two captives have been killed.

Le Figaro

also here

France24 - Two Frenchmen seized in Niamey restaurant killed
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 9 Jan 2011
eljulian's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Berlin
Posts: 110
The BBC reports the kidnappers were intercepted north of Ouallam, hostages killed.

BBC News - Two French hostages in Niger killed in rescue attempt


Update, Jan. 9 12:49 GMT:
BBC News - French hostages 'killed by captors' in Niger
__________________
Where is Julian?

Last edited by eljulian; 9 Jan 2011 at 15:12. Reason: added second link
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 9 Jan 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 332
Most detailed article so far about the tragic termination of the hostage taking in Niamey - in French:

OTAGES TUÉS AU NIGER - Les dessous d'une opération meurtrière, actualité Défense ouverte : Le Point

Most interesting the last 3 paragraphs in my opinion.
__________________
Yves

Last edited by Yves; 9 Jan 2011 at 22:09.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 10 Jan 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Oxford, U.K.
Posts: 625
Tragic event and seemingly the way we can expect more of these events to end, particularly if AQIM continue to be so bold with their attacks. AQIM have crossed a line now and enforced a push-back on themselves.

I would expect AQIM to have a long think about it all and perhaps revert to more remote activities and kidnappings. There has been an escalation in their approach (abductions on the tar road in Mauri which leads to the capital, abductions from the mine at Arlit and now abductions from inside a capital city) and they have reached the point now where they have not succeeded. Until this point pretty much all AQIM has done by way of kidnappings (discounting an event in central-eastern Niger some time ago) has worked out for them.

Something I'm not clear about is why the French special forces don't engage at times other than a hostage drama - in other words on their own terms and with the benefit of surprise.

Last edited by Richard Washington; 10 Jan 2011 at 10:58.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 10 Jan 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Oxford, U.K.
Posts: 625
"One of the dead hostages was an aid worker who had been due to marry a Nigerien woman next week. The other was his best man who had just arrived in Niamey for the ceremony, according to France's Journal du Dimanche."
French minister heads to Niger: News24: World: News

These details make me wonder about the planning for this abduction.

It seems unlikely that these two were specifically targeted. It seems more probable that an associate of AQIM was at the restuarant and phoned in the required info to the abductors- e.g. "2 French guys are sitting at the table near the window" - this knowing that French nationals, whoever they might be, frequent the place.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 10 Jan 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Manchester, UK
Posts: 456
Quote:
Originally Posted by Richard Washington View Post
Something I'm not clear about is why the French special forces don't engage at times other than a hostage drama - in other words on their own terms and with the benefit of surprise.
I am not so certain we would hear about it if they were. Judging by the amount of activity in (and especially above) Mauritania at the moment I don't think the French are sitting back, quite the opposite. I would not like to be driving a dodgy-looking technical in N Mali right now.
__________________
Pictures, Mauritania 2011
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 10 Jan 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Oxford, U.K.
Posts: 625
Quote:
Originally Posted by Richard K View Post
I am not so certain we would hear about it if they were.
Might we not expect to hear about some successful campaigns from time to time?
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 10 Jan 2011
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,878
I would expect AQIM to have a long think about it all...

I don't think AQIM will regard it as a complete failure. It's always a risk they will be chased and they've succeeded in terrorising French interests out there, gained 3 'martyrs', killed a Niger soldier on the way and wounded some French SAS types (all according to some reports).

One reason AQIM cant do remote so easily may be that targets are either well protected (as in Mori and I imagine Arlit mine now) or there are too few tourists and other targets out there now. So they have to reach further. Niamey is just 200km from Mali.

And AQIM still have 5 French nationals captive up in Mali who may be subject to reprisals, if the same or allied AQIM groups are involved.

Ch
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 10 Jan 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Manchester, UK
Posts: 456
Quote:
Originally Posted by Richard Washington View Post
Might we not expect to hear about some successful campaigns from time to time?
You might think so. But then we don't hear too much about their commitment & strategy in the area generally. My point is, whatever is going on, it all looks very pro-active on the ground.
__________________
Pictures, Mauritania 2011
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 10 Jan 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Oxford, U.K.
Posts: 625
Quote:
Originally Posted by Richard K View Post
You might think so. But then we don't hear too much about their commitment & strategy in the area generally. My point is, whatever is going on, it all looks very pro-active on the ground.
Info from those kidnapped themselves in the recent past has not been forthcoming either (as far as I can tell). Its only been the Canadian diplomat who provided useful details. My guess is that those who have been set free have been asked to keep details away from the public domain.

Richard, can you say more about what you've seen on the ground?
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 10 Jan 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,461
This was a daring kidnapping in down-town Niamey, where French may have thought they would be safe. One gets the impression that Aqim are willing to strike anywhere, even where the odds for a successful operation are not the best.
But the risk-reward factor has changed over the last year, after the ransom was collected for the Spanish there hasn't been any easy paydays for Aqim.
This time noone has accused touaregs and it appears the kidnappers were Aqim proper, from their appearance and since they ultimately killed their hostages.
Even if Aqim stronghold is still in north Mali, there is a lot of dodgy business going on in the Gao-Menaka region that is spilling over into south Niger.
I wonder what had happened if the victims had been, say Swedish? Dutch? British? Surely the reaction from the French and Niger army would have been less?
Would that be a good or bad thing, from the hostages POV?
I hope the bad guys were roughed up enough they won't try this again, but one never knows. I wonder who and where they will target next. Impossible to guess, but perhaps not in Mori. I would be careful esp. if travelling through Niger now. North Nigeria may become the next Aqim stronghold. In Mali, the festivals are going on this month and I hope visitors are vigilant.
Touareg news from the area Actualités - Temoust.org | Le portail du peuple touareg berbère Kel Tamasheq
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 10 Jan 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,461
Good coverage in French. Aqmi serait bien-a-l-origine-du-rapt
Quote:
"Eliminated coldly"
The two French nationals kidnapped Friday in Niamey were "coldly eliminated" by their captors, also said Francois Fillon. "The hostage-takers, when they saw they were followed, hostages were eliminated coldly according to preliminary results available to me." "Obviously the investigation is thorough. And all the results will be communicated to families."
The victims, very young.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Areva Kidnappings near Arlit, Niger Richard Washington North Africa 58 21 Nov 2013 12:36
kidnappings in Mexico DLbiten Central America and Mexico 1 24 Jul 2010 03:16
Gilf Kibir kidnappings Ulrich North Africa 56 24 Nov 2009 17:35
More Kidnappings - West Africa Gipper Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 0 22 Jan 2009 21:14
help ! Anyone currently in Niamey ? javierCarrion sub-Saharan Africa 0 28 Nov 2006 14:59

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

  • California: April 18-21
  • Virginia: April 25-28
  • Germany Summer: May 9-12
  • Québec: May 17-19
  • Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
  • CanWest: July 11-14
  • Switzerland: August 15-18
  • Ecuador: August 23-25
  • Romania: August 30-Sept 1
  • Austria: September 12-15
  • France: September 20-22
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3

2025:

  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025!
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • France: September 19-21 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 20:45.