Reporters Without Borders says al-Qaeda-linked group JNIM kidnapped French journalist Olivier Dubois on April 8 while he was working in Mali’s northern city of Gao. Olivier Dubois appeared in a video appealing to French authorities to do everything they can to free him.
In the 20seconds clip, he identified himself as “I’m Olivier Dubois. I’m French. I’m a journalist. I was kidnapped in Gao on April 8 by the JNIM (al Qaeda North Africa).
“I’m speaking to my family, my friends and the French authorities for them to do everything in their power free me,” Dubois said in a 21-second video shared on social media.
Executive Director of Reporters Without Borders Christophe Deloire confirmed the kidnapping and called for the immediate release of the journalist.
“We ask the Malian and French authorities to do everything possible to obtain his release and send all our support to his family and loved ones,” he tweeted.
Dubois who works for LePoint Afrique was reporting in Gao in northern Mali and did not return to his hotel after lunch on April 8. Malian authorities are yet to confirm the viral video and what it intends to do.