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It has been 10 months since journalist Olivier Dubois was kidnapped in Mali by a terrorist group. He is the only French hostage held in the world. His family and loved ones are fighting to prevent him from falling into oblivion, and to obtain his release…
“Olivier, if you hear this message, I would like you to know that there are many of us behind you, you would be very proud, there are people in Paris, in Bamako, there are stars, even Omar Sy today is calling for your release. ” Journalist Olivier Dubois was kidnapped in Gao when he thought he was going to interview an armed group leader. A video was published on May 5, 2021 on social networks by the Support Group for Islam and Muslims, an Al-Qaeda-affiliated jihadist coalition responsible for most of the kidnappings in the region.”Since then, we haven’t really had any news. We know that he is a priori still alive, he is still being held prisoner in the north of Mali“, explains Marc de Boni, a friend of Olivier and spokesperson for the support committee.
Today, Olivier’s relatives are fighting for his release and are highlighting the importance of his profession. “He is a journalist who will cover difficult information in dangerous places and it is very important for the news in France that we have this kind of coverage.“, believes Marc de Boni. On January 6, the family of Olivier Dubois decided to set up a petition to raise public awareness and denounce an “unbearable” silence on the part of the French government. 50,000 signatures. Emmanuel Macron answered it a few days later, during his wishes to the press. “I want to express here the support of the entire nation for himself and his family, to tell you that the tireless work is carried out by our diplomatic services, our military and the competent services in the matter.“, did he declare.