“It is finally the end point of this nightmare of 23 months”, rejoices his sister, Canèle Bernard

“It’s a huge relief”reacts Tuesday March 21 on franceinfo, Canèle Bernard, the sister of Olivier Dubois, French journalist released Monday March 20, almost two years after his kidnapping by jihadists in Mali. “It’s finally the end of this nightmare of 23 months that Olivier endured and, by extension, our family too”she says.

“By dint of mobilization, by dint of negotiations, of negotiations, the result is there. Olivier is finally free! He can savor his regained freedom”, continues Canèle Bernard. Olivier Dubois will be back on French soil this Tuesday “at midday”according to the Quai d’Orsay.

“Olivier Dubois is someone who has courage, someone who always gets up, in all situations.”

Canèle Bernard, sister of Olivier Dubois

at franceinfo

His sister claims to have spoken with him this morning. “He told me of his happiness (…) we could feel his smile on the phone, an extremely sincere and deep smile”testifies Canèle Bernard. “Hearing his voice, we dreamed of it, it is now possible”she rejoiced, “can’t wait to see him again” And “to resume life as before”. “He too is looking forward to seeing us”she summarizes.

For months during his captivity, his relatives denounced the lack of information and transparency on the part of the French government. The conditions of his release also remain a mystery to them. “Perhaps we will remain unanswered, but, in the end, that is not what matters, what matters is that Olivier will be in front of us in a few hours”concludes Canèle Bernard.