|
15 Oct 2012
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,466
|
|
Kidnapping in Dakoro, Niger
Six people were abducted in Dakoro, southern Niger last night.
They were five aid workers and a driver of Niger and Tchadian nationalities.
The abductors who were probably looking for westerners spoke Arab, Tamasheq and Hausa, showing that there is little meaning trying to deduce which group they belong too. One can assume they will be taken to neighbouring Mali but who will pay a ransom?
Niger: six Africains, dont cinq humanitaires, enlevés dans le sud - Flash actualité - Monde - 15/10/2012 - leParisien.fr
A reminder that if you are in Mali north and east of Bamako, in Niger, east Mauretania, northern Nigeria, and northern Burkina be vigilant.
Last edited by Chris Scott; 15 Oct 2012 at 18:43.
Reason: Dakoro map link added
|
15 Oct 2012
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Oxford, U.K.
Posts: 625
|
|
A few more details here:
Gunmen kidnap five aid workers in Niger | News24
Niger security forces lost track of them 300km south of Agadez. The group was heading north. Sounds like AQIM to me. Aid agencies have earned a reputation for paying ransoms.
Last edited by Richard Washington; 15 Oct 2012 at 19:52.
|
15 Oct 2012
|
|
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,944
|
|
Assuming the facts so far are correct, if they're going to start kidnapping local (non-European) aid workers working for local charities (which can't be that well off) then they're either desperate or about to get very busy.
Ch
|
17 Oct 2012
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Oxford, U.K.
Posts: 625
|
|
One thing about AQIM is that their methods do evolve and there is generally some rationale for what they do.
In this case I suspect the local NGO is either linked to some UN based funding or else is doing something ideologically at odds with AQIM - quite possibly both.
Another possibility is that the captives give AQIM some bargaining power over any Niger based role in the imminent ECOWAS intervention in Mali. As others have noted, best to stay well clear of Mali and Niger for the next few months or more. I wouldn't expect a decisive outcome from the ECOWAS forces. They won't know the desert as well as AQIM now do and their heart will not be in the fight to the same extent.
|
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
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
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...
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)
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 Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)
Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.
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!
Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
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.
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.
|
|
|