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Sophie Pétronin, a former hostage in Mali, would have returned to the country illegally and discreetly seven months ago. A choice that the Élysée deplores.
On October 8, 2020 in Bamako (Mali), a few hours after regaining her freedom, Sophie Pétronin already announced what she planned to do next: return to Mali. From March 2021, she managed to convince her son to bring her back to the country. Having left Switzerland, they reached Senegal and, without a visa for Mali, they crossed the border illegally by bus and then by motorbike taxi to Bamako. The Malian authorities have issued a research notice without giving any further explanation for the time being.
Government spokesperson Gabriel Attal denounces a “a form of irresponsibility vis-à-vis her own security but also vis-à-vis the security of our soldiers.” In October 2020, his release took place after tough negotiations with Al Qaeda, which also led to the release of 200 jihadists. For his part, the ex-hostage does not understand these criticisms. “I am not bothering anyone and nobody is bothering me”, she says. She lived 25 years in Mali and particularly wanted to find her adopted daughter, now 19 years old.