Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North Africa
Gilf Kibir kidnappings Gilf Kibir kidnappings
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.

Like Tree1Likes

Reply
Page 2 of 4 1 2 34
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #16  
Old 23 Sep 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Tallinn
Posts: 403
Quote:
Originally Posted by saharagems View Post
Would you be so kind to inform me about any news concerning the permissions
I'll be posting here any news that appear to be credible. However be prepared that just like after the January incident, there will be a lot of Chinese whispers.
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 23 Sep 2008
Ulrich's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: In the heart of Bavaria
Posts: 406
Some more news:
Quote:
The Sudanese authorities say they have pinpointed the location at which 11 foreign tourists and their eight Egyptian guides are being held.
BBC - Egypt hostages' location 'known'

Till soon

Ulrich
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 24 Sep 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Scotland
Posts: 775
Question
Andras,

Would you know where exactly the incident took place? World media mention the name "Wadi el-Gadid", but then they have no clue where it is. See here.

11 tourists, eight Egyptians kidnapped - CNN.com

BTW, apart from being completely clueless about geography, I also noticed they were making up their own conjectures about the incident.

The initial CNN report quoted an Egyptian source as saying: "The tourist group started their safari last week in Dakhla in western Sahara Desert, near Morocco" (sic!). Later on they removed part of this ludicrous quote from the report.

How far the group might have gone into the Sudan?
__________________
----------------
Roman (UK)
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 24 Sep 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Tallinn
Posts: 403
Quote:
Originally Posted by Roman View Post
Would you know where exactly the incident took place?
The consensus I'm picking up on the grapevine is that the attack happened in Karkur Talh, and the group may now be somewhere close to Uweinat on the Sudanese side. However nothing is confirmed, and no new info really over the past two days.
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 24 Sep 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Oxford, U.K.
Posts: 625
Most of the reports seem to be saying that the group is close to the triple point, on the south side of the mountain in Sudan. But if I were a bandit, I'd have taken the group at least 100 km south in the midst of northern Sudan. Don't you think staying near Jebel Uweinat is unlikely as it is too exposed and too close to Egypt and Libya?
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 24 Sep 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Tallinn
Posts: 403
Quote:
Originally Posted by Richard Washington View Post
Most of the reports seem to be saying that the group is close to the triple point, on the south side of the mountain in Sudan. But if I were a bandit, I'd have taken the group at least 100 km south in the midst of northern Sudan. Don't you think staying near Jebel Uweinat is unlikely as it is too exposed and too close to Egypt and Libya?
I agree, however you need to have a water source to sustain 20+ people, so Karkur Murr sounds plausible. It was only reported that the abductors were 4 or 5, but the 'support team' could be much larger. However this is all speculation, there could be deliberate misreports all over the press statements.
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 24 Sep 2008
Ulrich's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: In the heart of Bavaria
Posts: 406
Something new

Reuters - Troops watch kidnap group in Sahara, avoid attack

Regards

Ulrich
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 24 Sep 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Scotland
Posts: 775
Hi,

I just had a word with my source in EG. Apparently Karkur Murr was the place where these guys were last seen. The word is out there's no immediate ban expected on travel to the area, just a strong warning to avoid Karkur Talh and the border area close to Al Uweinat.
__________________
----------------
Roman (UK)
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 25 Sep 2008
Ulrich's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: In the heart of Bavaria
Posts: 406
The latest news:

Reuters - Egypt is in direct talks with kidnappers - source

Regards

Ulrich
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 25 Sep 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Oxford, U.K.
Posts: 625
As Andrasz pointed out earlier, the rumours are likely to be more imaginative than normal for this event so, bearing that in mind (!) there are reports that the German govt only is reponsible for the 6m euro ransom and that the money should be delivered by the german wife of the tour operator.

I wonder if the bandits have been following the Malian story? That ransom money has apparently become stuck somewhere.

More here:

Egypt: Kidnappers demand €6m: Africa: News: News24
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 25 Sep 2008
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,934
moved thread
Hi all, fyi I just removed the parallel thread understandably complaining about this Gilf thread being moved as it has now been sorted.

As with 'Tunisia' earlier this year I was not asked or informed, even though I moderate this forum hourly whenever a computer is at hand. Sahara gets a lot more traffic than other HU forums.

I have explained to Grant that Gilf is hundreds of miles from any overland route and so on HU is only of interest to Saharans.

I hope these guys, let alone the long forgoten Austrians, get released soon.

Ch
(in ISB)
Reply With Quote
  #27  
Old 25 Sep 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Tallinn
Posts: 403
Thanks Chris!

I have not received any credible news over the past day, I consder most of the stuff appearing on the news to be pure speculation to hide the fact that nothing is known. Probably we are not going to hear much until the situation is resolved one way or another.

Will keep posting any reliable looking news.
Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old 25 Sep 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Oxford, U.K.
Posts: 625
and now that the group is in Libya....
Hostages moved to Libya: Africa: News: News24

Interestingly the Austrians taken in Tunisia, were moved through Algeria to Mal and some reports say they are shifted across the boder to Niger from time to time. If all these reports are true, then the bandits will know that getting a coordinated response from 2 or 3 countries is much more difficult - something which makes resuce of the kidnapped more difficult and therefore keeps the bandits in control. In this sense the triple point (Egypt, Libya, Sudan) lends itself to the tactic.
Reply With Quote
  #29  
Old 25 Sep 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Tallinn
Posts: 403
Quote:
Originally Posted by Richard Washington View Post
and now that the group is in Libya....
Hostages moved to Libya: Africa: News: News24
I consider this piece of news to be very unlikely. With the Libyans the only ones having a permanent military and police presence in the area (at Ain Dua and Ain Ghazal along the western side of Uweinat), I'm sure they would have kept an eye open for just such an eventuality. I think it is rather more likely that the Sudanese, who for the past day claimed that they knew where the abductors are and are "keeping an eye on them", in fact have no idea, and this way they can easily disclaim all responsibility with a "now it's not our problem".

I would only consider this news to be credible if it were a part of a negotiated settlement, leaving the group at the Libyan post with free passage to the abductors, but again this is very unlikely and nothing of the sort mentioned.
Last edited by andrasz; 25 Sep 2008 at 17:36.
Reply With Quote
  #30  
Old 25 Sep 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Tallinn
Posts: 403
I promised myself not to repost bits of news or make fun of this rather sad situation, but I could not resist when I read this one:

Quote:
Originally Posted by Deutsche Welle
Sudanese Foreign Ministry official Ali Youssef had said on Thursday that government forces had sealed off the village where the kidnappers were thought to be hiding.
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 2 of 4 1 2 34

« 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
Trip to El Ewynat & Gilf kebir Budrinna North Africa 8 20 Sep 2010 15:59
Egypt - Gilf Kebir - Warning! Ulrich North Africa 28 19 Jun 2008 13:07
Egypt - Gilf / motorbike lordmaciek2 North Africa 5 17 May 2005 20:45
Egypt - the Gilf Kebir Runner North Africa 21 1 Apr 2003 23:31

 
 

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
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

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 02:27.

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