Hostage Release News

French journalist Olivier Dubois released after being held hostage in Sahel.

French journalist Olivier Dubois, who was abducted by the al Qaeda-linked Group to Support Islam and Muslims (GSIM) in Mali in April 2021, has been released and taken to neighbouring Niger. Dubois was held captive for almost two years and was the last French hostage in captivity. His release came as US hostage Jeff Woodke was also freed after more than six years in captivity in Africa. No ransom was paid for Woodke's release, according to a senior US official.