Algiers: Algeria’s Minister for Maghreb and African affairs Abdelkader Messahel on Sunday said that seven Algerian nationals who were kidnapped in northeast Mali in April “are fine”.
Algeria’s consul in Gao and six of his colleagues were abducted by a self-styled Al-Qaeda offshoot in the northeastern Malian town on April 5.
Addressing a press conference on Sunday, the minister said that the issue is very sensitive and needs discretion.
“All I can say is that the hostages are fine,” he added.
The kidnappers, the Movement for Unity and Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO), first emerged in December, presenting themselves as an offshoot of Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and claiming the kidnap of three aid workers — two Spanish and an Italian — from Tindouf, Algeria.
MUJAO is demanding the release of two Sahrawis arrested by Mauritania for their role in the kidnapping, as well as 30 million euros ($40 million).
When the Algerian consul was kidnapped along with his colleagues MUJAO claimed responsibility, demanding 15 million euros for their release.
At the end of April the group announced talks with Algiers had broken down and on May 8 they announced a 30-day deadline for their demands to be met.
MUJAO, along with AQIM, have allied with Islamist group Ansar Dine (Defenders of Faith), who occupied a large part of northern Mali along with Tuareg rebels in March after a coup d’etat in Bamako.
The Islamists want to create a strict Islamic state while the Tuareg want independence for a region they see as their homeland.
Aside from the hostages held by MUJAO, AQIM is holding six French citizens kidnapped from Niger and Mali.
Dear TNT Reader,
At The News Tribe, our mission is to bring you free, independent, and unbiased news and content that keeps you informed and empowered. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism, as we understand that we are a platform for truth.
Apart from independent global news coverage, we also commit our unique focus on the Muslim world. In an age marked by the troubling rise of Islamophobia and widespread misrepresentation of Muslims in Western media, we strive to provide accurate and fair coverage.
But to continue doing so, we need your support. Even a small donation of 1$ can make a big difference. Your contribution will help us maintain the quality of our news and counteract the negative narratives that are so prevalent.
Please consider donating today to ensure we can keep delivering the news that matters. Together, we can make a positive impact on the world, and work towards a more inclusive, informed global society.
Donate Monthly Subscription Annual Subscription