Title: The sad fate of prefect Drissa Sanogo, held hostage in Mali
Introduction :
In sad news that shakes Mali, prefect Drissa Sanogo, held hostage by the Support Group for Islam and Muslims since May 2020, died in captivity. This announcement was made by the jihadist group in an authenticated press release. Although his kidnapping took place more than three years ago, those close to Drissa Sanogo express both their sadness and their disappointment with the efforts made to free him. This article reviews the circumstances of his kidnapping, highlights the difficulties encountered by the Malian authorities in freeing the hostages and raises questions about the care of victims of long captivities.
Context of the kidnapping:
Drissa Sanogo held the position of prefect of Gourma-Rharous at the time of his kidnapping. While driving home from a stay in Timbuktu, he was kidnapped by the Support Group for Islam and Muslims, affiliated with al-Qaeda. Since then, his loved ones hoped for his return and remained waiting for encouraging news.
Recent releases, shattered hope:
In recent months, Malian authorities have succeeded in obtaining the release of several hostages. However, in the case of Drissa Sanogo, the outcome is tragic. The jihadist group’s statement said his death was due to a long illness and not an execution. Nevertheless, those close to the prefect regret that all means were not implemented to free him and express their sadness at this tragic outcome.
The question of hostage care:
The death of Drissa Sanogo raises questions about the care of hostages in captivity for long periods. If the jihadist group claims that his death was linked to an illness, it is legitimate to wonder whether appropriate medical care was provided to him. In addition, the fact that he was held hostage for more than three years raises questions about the efforts made to secure his release.
Conclusion :
The death of prefect Drissa Sanogo in captivity in Mali is tragic news which highlights the difficulties encountered by the authorities in the release of hostages held by terrorist groups. This sad affair also raises questions about the care of hostages during long captivities and calls for careful consideration of the measures to be taken to ensure their safety and well-being. Let us hope that this tragedy serves as a poignant reminder of the urgency of action to end these unjust captivities and preserve the lives of those who are their victims.