19 Dec 2023 | 10:45 AM UTC
Mali: Militant group reportedly releases South African captive near share border with Algeria Dec. 18
On Dec. 18, militant group in Mali releases South African hostage kidnapped in 2017. Kidnapping threat remains high.
An international NGO reported Dec. 18 that a South African national held in Mali since 2017 has been released. According to the organization, Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), an Al-Qaeda-affiliated militant group, agreed to release the victim unconditionally. The victim was reportedly freed at the Malian-Algerian border and is undergoing a medical examination. further details are not available at present.
Exercise a high degree of vigilance in Mali due to the threat of kidnapping. Do not discuss plans and routes publicly. If operating in the area over the long term, vary routes and times of travel and ensure the use of secure transport. Remain courteous and cooperative if approached and questioned by security personnel. Maintain contact with diplomatic representations.
There is a high threat of kidnapping in Mali. The most common types of abduction in Mali include basic opportunistic kidnap-for-ransom and terrorist-related kidnapping. The threat is especially elevated in the north of the country, where militant groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State maintain a significant presence. Armed criminals also operate in the region and are known to work in conjunction with militant groups.
