An Italian family kidnapped in Mali on 19 May 2022 has been freed, according to official statements from Rome. The family, identified as Italian Jehovah's Witnesses, was abducted in the region of Koutiala. Reports indicate that their release involved negotiations with Al-Qaeda affiliate JNIM through tribal intermediaries, and it's suggested that a ransom was paid with the knowledge, if not direct involvement, of Malian authorities. The sum for their release is reported to be around 14 million euros.
Selon @analysesemaine, les trois otages italiens enlevés le 19 mai 2022 dans la région de Koutiala (Mali) ont été libérés contre le paiement d’une somme avoisinant 14 millions d’euros. https://t.co/F5mCWRYMnh
Italian Jehovah's Witnesses seized by jihadists in Mali freed https://t.co/XvNeObbCTK
Three Italians kidnapped in 2022 freed in Mali https://t.co/90XaFJw3jC https://t.co/mIeTEfqO1n
Mali: three Italians kidnapped in 2022 have been released. A deal was made between Italian government and Al-Qaeda (JNIM) through tribal intermediaries. https://t.co/xLwDXJJGPa
Italian authorities announce the liberation of three Italians kidnapped in May 2022 in Koutiala, Mali: https://t.co/XTPIHMdlXS There was almost certainly a ransom paid, and this wouldn't have been negotiated w/o at least the knowledge of Malian authorities.
#BREAKING Italian family kidnapped in 2022 in Mali freed: Rome https://t.co/3nHgqngRmn