Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North Africa
Areva Kidnappings near Arlit, Niger Areva Kidnappings near Arlit, Niger
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
North Africa Topics specific to North Africa and the Sahara down to the 17th parallel (excludes Morocco)
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Trans Sahara Routes.

Reply
Page 3 of 4 12 3 4
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #31  
Old 11 Nov 2010
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,932
Well spotted buy worth clarifying that according to Ennahar they: "were arrested on the road to the town of Tinzaouatine in the province [or wilaya] of Tamanrasset" which is the size of the UK.

Tin Z is 600km from Tam (and it has to be said, the one place the Algies would be watching out for these guys).

Ch
Reply With Quote
  #32  
Old 12 Nov 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Oxford, U.K.
Posts: 625
Medicine supplied to sick hostage
Francoise Larribe has receieved a package of medicine.

Negotiations are described as difficult.

More details here:
Sick French hostage given medicine: News24: Africa: News
Reply With Quote
  #33  
Old 13 Nov 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: F
Posts: 856
"Reports that 3 terrorists from Abu Zeids group intercepted near Tamanrasset, destined for North Algeria with funds for Droukdal....apparently had 100,000Euros cash on them."

This kind of operation ican be one reason of the restriction of travel for tourist in the area..
RR
Reply With Quote
  #34  
Old 19 Nov 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: London and all over West Africa
Posts: 678
Droukdal saying to negotiate with Bin Laden for the release of the French hostages:

AQIM demands Afghan withdrawal in return for French hostages | News by Country | Reuters
Reply With Quote
  #35  
Old 19 Nov 2010
Ulrich's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: In the heart of Bavaria
Posts: 406
Statement by YouTube:

The Conditions of the Mujahideen for the release of the French prisoners

Regards

Ulrich
Reply With Quote
  #36  
Old 21 Nov 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,465
Ennahar Online - Toumani convinced that the French hostages were dispersed
Mali rules out rescue mission for French hostages | Top News | Reuters
Quote:
"Despite a painstaking intelligence operation, we have not learnt exactly where the hostages are," Toure told the newspaper. "It is certain that the kidnappers have separated the hostages into several groups. They never stay in the same place for lunch and dinner. They move around quickly."
Asked whether a military rescue operation was possible, he said: "The conditions are not in place."
The newspaper cited an unnamed source as saying France had received proof in recent days that the hostages were still alive.
The French are negotiating
France in contact with Mali hostage-takers | RFI
Reply With Quote
  #37  
Old 23 Jan 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: London and all over West Africa
Posts: 678
Ennahar Online - The seven hostages of AQIM are no longer in Mali
Reply With Quote
  #38  
Old 18 Feb 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,465
Long silence about the Areva kidnappings. At least they are said to be alive

Otages du Niger : « Ils sont vivants », selon la présidente d’Areva en visite à Marcoule - Temoust.org | Le portail du peuple touareg berbère Kel Tamasheq

Quote:
Traveling at Marcoule (Gard) on Friday to inaugurate a manger, the president of Areva, Anne Lauvergeon discussed the fate of hostages kidnapped in Niger in September, including Daniel and Françoise Larribe Gard. "We know they are alive," she said, adding "think about them every day. We await their return. "

Ms. Lauvergeon remained discreet about the negotiations and the steps taken by Areva in this folder. The group also wants to repatriate French workers who are still in Niger, where it operates uranium mines. "But 99% of workers in the field, originated in the country," she said.
Reply With Quote
  #39  
Old 25 Feb 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,465
French Woman Has Been Released!
AFP: French, Malagasy, Togolese hostages freed in Niger
Quote:
They were freed on Thursday, the president's office said in a statement.
Françoise Larribe, Jean-Claude Rakotorilalao and Alex Awando are from France, Madagascar and Togo, respectively, according to Agence France Presse.
They are all in good health, the statement from the president's office said.
Last edited by priffe; 25 Feb 2011 at 19:00.
Reply With Quote
  #40  
Old 22 Mar 2011
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,932
€90m demanded for the last 4 hostages
Nearly forgotten about with all that's going on...

Ennahar Online - AQIM claimed 90 million euros to free hostages in the Sahel

Ch
Reply With Quote
  #41  
Old 22 Mar 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Oxford, U.K.
Posts: 625
90 million no doubt reflects the perceived value of uranium - given that the uraniium mine will feel responsible.

It is an order of magnitude escalation over previous ransoms.
Reply With Quote
  #42  
Old 28 Apr 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,465
At least they are alive
Ennahar Online - The kidnapping of the French in Niger by AQIM
AQIM Releases Video Of French Nationals Abducted In Niger
Reply With Quote
  #43  
Old 13 Jul 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: johannesburg - south africa
Posts: 108
Hi All,

I can't find anything new about the French remaining in AQIM's hands - are they still alive? It's been a very long time now...

Kobus
__________________
"The fates lead him who will; him who won't they drag." - Anon
Reply With Quote
  #44  
Old 13 Jul 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Oxford, U.K.
Posts: 625
I think I'm right in saying that the French from Arlit have been held longer than any other hostage taken by AQIM (or GSPC) in the Sahara. Negotiations are no doubt bogged down with the complicated relationship France has with AQIM (officially at war), the fact that a company is involved and the size of the ransom. AQIM are also probably bolder now that they have the military kit fetched recently from Libya. Some say that AQIM are in a better position to defend their HQs, especially from helicopter attacks. AQIM may also be aware that many hostages in Somalia have been held for 10-12 months too.

Kobus - you must be one of the few westerners in the last year or so to pass through Arlit!
Reply With Quote
  #45  
Old 13 Jul 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,465
Ennahar Online - French hostages in Niger: families await "effective initiatives"
"July 5, the French Defence Minister Gerard Longuet stated about four French kidnapped in Niger: "We have no news, either positive or negative."

It is impossible for the French to pay any sort of ransom as things are. Otoh, they have met one of the demands - they are removing troops from Afghanistan.
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 3 of 4 12 3 4

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
kidnappings in Mexico DLbiten Central America and Mexico 1 24 Jul 2010 04:16
Gilf Kibir kidnappings Ulrich North Africa 56 24 Nov 2009 18:35
More Kidnappings - West Africa Gipper Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 0 22 Jan 2009 22:14
Is 2WD possible from Tam to Arlit? dz5591 North Africa 12 15 Sep 2005 17:24
Agadez-Arlit marco vet North Africa 2 20 Sep 2002 15:23

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 22:38.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top