Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North Africa
North Africa Topics specific to North Africa and the Sahara down to the 17th parallel (excludes Morocco)
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

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


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Trans Sahara Routes.

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #91  
Old 14 May 2003
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,911
Great news, hamdullilai!!
Lets hope the rest make it soon

Ch
Reply With Quote
  #92  
Old 14 May 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Oxford, U.K.
Posts: 625
http://www.news24.com/News24/Africa/...359488,00.html

report based on Algerian press release:

the press release explicitly links the abductors to GSPC and indicates that release of the 17 followed a fire-fight between the Algerian army and the abductors in the Amguid region on the morning of the 13th May. The 17 were taken to Tam before being flown to Algiers.

It seems the remaining group is now the one in the east near Illizi.
Reply With Quote
  #93  
Old 14 May 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: London, UK
Posts: 119
This is reported on so many sources it must be true. Good news:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/3026181.stm
Reply With Quote
  #94  
Old 15 May 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Oxford, U.K.
Posts: 625
I had imagined the groups being hidden somewhere well off limits - some well set out bandit strong hold.

News suggests otherwise.....
http://www.news24.com/News24/Africa/...359983,00.html

They felt "the army was on their trail," Gerhard Wintersteller, an Austrian who was one of 17 tourists freed by the army, told RTL late on Wednesday.

It started the moment they were seized by a group.....

At first they were driven through the darkness, but soon were forced to walk more and more.

"We were on the run every night, we had to walk every night. Our shoes were torn, we were at the end of our physical limits, we couldn't do it any more," Wintersteller said.

Reply With Quote
  #95  
Old 16 May 2003
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,911
The plot thickens...

http://www.triotours.com/saharamissing/030516-rfi.htm

Chris S
Reply With Quote
  #96  
Old 16 May 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Oxford, U.K.
Posts: 625
....and if this latest report is right, the chances for the remaining hostages being freed seems to have increased.
Reply With Quote
  #97  
Old 19 May 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Oxford, U.K.
Posts: 625
Special forces of the Algerian army have freed the remaining 15 hostages several sources told Deutsche Presse-Agentur DPA today.

http://www.news24.com/News24/Africa/...361620,00.html
Reply With Quote
  #98  
Old 19 May 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Shropshire, UK.
Posts: 143
From the BBC:

Last Updated: Monday, 19 May, 2003, 12:08 GMT

More Sahara tourists 'freed'

A second group of European tourists held hostage in Algeria's Sahara desert has been released, reports say.
It is not clear how many have been released or what condition they are in.

The release follows that of 10 Austrians, six Germans and a Swede, who arrived home last Wednesday after being rescued by commandos in a dawn raid.

There were thought to be 15 others still being held captive.

The adventure tourists were travelling without guides using four-wheel drive vehicles and motorbikes when they disappeared between mid-February and mid-March.

The Algerian army said they had been kidnapped by Islamist rebels with links to al-Qaeda.

Reply With Quote
  #99  
Old 19 May 2003
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,911
I hope no one minds then if I break the 100-barrier and save myself having to give out the free prize.

CS
Reply With Quote
  #100  
Old 19 May 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Zaandam, Holland
Posts: 119
As this long thread seems to come to a better end than anybody had dared to hope for, I don't think anybody minds Chris.

Peter
__________________
Peter Kik
Zaandam, Holland
peter.kik@tip.nl
Reply With Quote
  #101  
Old 20 May 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Oxford, U.K.
Posts: 625
Although consistent with the way the last 3 months has unfolded to those not in the desert, the Algerians have denied that group 2 has been released - as have the Swiss authorities.......

http://www.swissinfo.org/sen/Swissin...43&sid=1892388
Reply With Quote
  #102  
Old 20 May 2003
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: holland
Posts: 79
Hmm,

Strange: the dutch news on www.nu.nl shows an article that confirms the release of the last 15 hostages....

Cheers,
Cone
Reply With Quote
  #103  
Old 20 May 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Zaandam, Holland
Posts: 119
Unfortunatly not anymore, corne....
The article changed some minutes ago and now say that Algerian authorities "formaly" denies they are released.

PK
__________________
Peter Kik
Zaandam, Holland
peter.kik@tip.nl
Reply With Quote
  #104  
Old 24 May 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Oxford, U.K.
Posts: 625
2 bits of news...
The Algerian military have indicated that group 2 has been subdivided in a region with more plentiful water. So the problems of release might take longer.

In the meantime, there is a call to publicise the reasons for the abductions, namely the annulment of the 1992 Algerian elections which the Islamicists were poised to win democratically.

Two of the party released recently have issued the following statement which is available to radio services likely to be broadcast in North Africa:

Christoph Langes and Roland Mayr
Of the group one week ago of the freed hostages, permit to address us this message to the Mudschaheddins of the GSPC. We are again in our country, surrounded by our families and friends. We are well, but the fate of the others still in Algeria held European affects us much. From now on Europe Algeria sees differently. The message, to it us asked to convey, is being spread. We were allowed to become acquainted with the Islam as a humane religion with extremely high moral values. We have you as humans deeply felt, ready are their ideals to be defended. If the weapons had not been, we would have become friends. The life situation in your country cannot be improved, if one weapons and force uses, but only if one uses the way of the dialogue and the love. While the 50 days, which we spent with you, have we proven that we can live despite the different faith directions together and respect the other one. For this reason we ask to set the Emir and the Mudschaheddins of the GSPC an indication of the peace and release our friends.

Reply With Quote
  #105  
Old 27 May 2003
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,911
Although we've heard it all before, things could be looking up:
http://www.triotours.com/saharamissi...expression.htm

This website is also serialising daily the translated diaries by the Austrian leader from group 1 - they make quite chilling reading.

Ch
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 3 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 3 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


 
 

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

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. 11-15
  • 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!

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 22:39.