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 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
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #151  
Old 4 Mar 2010
Ulrich's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: In the heart of Bavaria
Posts: 406
Quote:
Mauritania excludes any negotiation

The terrorist threat to execute the hostages if its demands are not met.
L'Expression - La Mauritanie exclut toute négociation

Gogoonisch - E

Ulrich
Reply With Quote
  #152  
Old 4 Mar 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 17
Crossed Mauri about three weeks ago through NK, Aioun to Nioro, no problems. Though mauri army got crazy one evening when I did not show up at the next checkpoint. They thought I was going to sleep in Kiffa. I slept maybe 200 m from the road in the bushes, and was wondering why a helicopter is hanging around. In the morning a 4x4 full of soldiers stopped me and said they were looking for me all night. Hundred checkpoints and I really regreted having no fiche.
Reply With Quote
  #153  
Old 4 Mar 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Oxford, U.K.
Posts: 625
Sounds like the Mauri army is trying hard.....
Reply With Quote
  #154  
Old 5 Mar 2010
Ulrich's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: In the heart of Bavaria
Posts: 406
Quote:
Al-Qaeda makes Spanish hostages demands

BAMAKO — Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb has demanded the release of its members, particularly those jailed in Mauritania, in exchange for the release of three Spanish hostages, a negotiator said Friday.

"They (AQIM leaders) demand from now on the freedom of several Islamists, particularly those detained in Mauritania," the negotiator in Mali told AFP on condition of anonymity.

"They really insisted on the freedom of their combatants. Today I will tell that to the appropriate authority," he said, after returning from the northern Mali desert where the hostages are being held.

The Spanish press reported several weeks ago that AQIM had demanded a ransom for the release of the three Spanish aid workers, who were kidnapped in Mauritania on November 29.

Mauritania's Prime Minister Moulaye Ould Mohamed Laghdhaf on Thursday said that his government refused to negotiate with "terrorist groups" or make an exchange of prisoners for hostages in the hands of Islamic extremists.

But he added that his government was working hard to win the freedom of hostages captured on Mauritanian territory
AFP

Regards

Ulrich
Reply With Quote
  #155  
Old 10 Mar 2010
Ulrich's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: In the heart of Bavaria
Posts: 406
Quote:
Near the release of the hostage Spanish Alicia Gámez and negotiations to free the remaining hostages

Sources especially for the desert near the media release of Spanish women who was kidnapped at the hands of al Qaeda in Islamic Maghreb, Mauritania, official sources said that Spain arrived in Ouagadougou, capital of Burkina Faso to receive her.

The release of the Spanish Alicia Gámez after arduous negotiations, mediated by Burkina Faso, according to sources confirmed to continue negotiations with the kidnappers for the release of the rest of the Spaniards and the husband of the kidnapped Italiana kidnapped in Mauritania after them a few days.

Al Qaeda has demanded a ransom of $ 5 million for the liberation of the hostages Spaniards, but the sources did not talk about the nature of the deal, which took place between the African mediators and al Qaeda.
The financial sources close to the file that Burkina Faso, the neighboring country, playing a "secret but effective" for the release of the hostages.
The Burkina Faso announced at the end of December it was "determined" that "get rid of the kidnappers," the couple Italians kidnapped in south-eastern Mauritania. And wife born in Ouagadougou.

As part of efforts to free the two women, the Special Envoy of the Italian Foreign Minister for Emergency and humanitarian assistance Margherita Boniver visit to Burkina Faso

The Italian Foreign Ministry in a statement that Boniver to renew her meeting with President Blaise Compaore of the Italian request to continue to explore all channels of communication that could lead to the liberation of Italian citizen Chikala Sergio and his wife (from Burkina Faso) Philomène KABORE

The ministry said in its statement that "the visit Boniver is of particular importance, especially as falling within the context of the tour made by the Minister Franco Frattini, in Mali and Mauritania recently," the statement said.

And would be Italian envoy Margherita Boniver talks with officials in Burkina Faso which also contribute to the revitalization and strengthening of political relations and cooperation ties between Rome and Ouagadougou

The Italian Chikala Sergio and his wife had been kidnapped in the nineteenth of December last year in eastern Mauritania, a few kilometers from the border with Mali, has adopted the so-called al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb in an audio message calling the kidnapping ransom, while the last appearance for them through the registration Sound a few days before the Italians he appeals to the authorities in Rome to intervene to do everything possible to save his life and his wife.
saharamedia

Ulrich
Reply With Quote
  #156  
Old 10 Mar 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: London and all over West Africa
Posts: 678
Good news indeed Ulrich, hoping the men will be freed asap too.

BBC News - Spanish hostage in Africa freed
Reply With Quote
  #157  
Old 10 Mar 2010
Ulrich's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: In the heart of Bavaria
Posts: 406
Quote:
Al-Qaeda release of the hostage Spanish, and keep on Italian hostage

According to informed sources "Desert Media" that the hostage Spanish Alicia Gámez and arrived shortly before to the airport and Gadgo in Burkina Faso, after he was released by al-Qaeda, have not received any official reception at the airport, and continued its way into the country, with sources confirmed that the Italian hostage of Burkinabe Philomene KABORE Maintained by the rule for reasons not yet clear.

With conflicting stories about the reasons for keeping Al-Qaeda hostage Italian, some sources suggested that the Italian refused to release her without her husband, and insisted on remaining with him until that Italian authorities to end the suffering*.

It was one of the negotiators had financial Ssrah on Wednesday told AFP that the Spanish and Italian Alicia Gámez Philomène KABORE which were held in detention by al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb is being released "and travel on to Burkina Faso" neighbors.

He said the negotiator on condition of anonymity that "Burkina Faso is concerned with all this issue. In fact, two women, Sarah and news on the way to go to Burkina Faso."
Source: Saharamedia

* That's true love!

Regards

Ulrich
Reply With Quote
  #158  
Old 10 Mar 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,465
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ulrich View Post

* That's true love!
Indeed.

Some woman. Isn't it strange her face has been pixilllated in the pictures they have published. Why, and by whom?
If they are looking for public support, kidnapping a Burkinian woman may have been a grave mistake.
Reply With Quote
  #159  
Old 10 Mar 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Oxford, U.K.
Posts: 625
The pixallation has been applied to all women in the forced company of AQ-IM - starting I think with the Austrian woman taken in Tunisia. Its part of the AQ-IM take on life.
Reply With Quote
  #160  
Old 11 Mar 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Poland
Posts: 3
Any new info?

Hi, is there any new info on the situation in Mauretania? We are setting of for a yourney from Poland to Gambia on 19th June and wondering how safe it will be to drive through Mauretania.
Reply With Quote
  #161  
Old 12 Mar 2010
Ulrich's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: In the heart of Bavaria
Posts: 406
Latest news and statement

Quote:
MADRID, March 12 (Reuters) - Al Qaeda is seeking a $5 million ransom and the release of imprisoned Islamist fighters as conditions to free two Spanish hostages kidnapped in Mauritania, newspaper El Pais said on Friday, citing sources familiar with the negotiations. ...

... Gamez was freed in Mali because she had converted to Islam and her health was delicate, the statement said.
Reuters - Al Qaeda demands ransom, one Spanish hostage freed

There is also an statement and a video from AQIM (the criminals) on the net

Translated statement

Quote:
Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb
Release of the Spanish "Althea Gamit" after becoming Muslim
Hamad A. To God alone, victory to His slave, dearest recruited, and defeated the parties alone, and prayer and peace be upon the Prophet Almrahmp and epic, his family and companions pure and righteous, but after:
Continuing our coverage of the abduction issue in the Spaniards are pleased to inform the public opinion, including the following:
First: Due to the hostage Spanish Islam "Althea Gamit" the first place, and taking into account the circumstances of health on the other hand has decided Mujahideen released on 24/03/1431 AH, and Islam came the Spanish women and the desire of their own volition after the presentation of the teachings of the Mujahideen and laws of Islam, and has converted to Islam after Tzmt as "Aisha", thank Allah for guiding her and ask Him to be proven true religion and faith to decorate in her heart, says the Prophet, peace be upon him: «While God to guide your one man is better for you than red Graces ».
Second: We say to the Spanish Government that this positive step of the Mujahideen require you to accelerate to meet our legitimate demands, as the sole condition for the safety of your citizens, others, and we call on the Spanish public opinion more pressure on the government and paid to assume full responsibility for the lives of the hostages.


Stills from the video from the release of the to the Islam converted Alicia Gámez


12 cars - what an armada


Clusters of heavily armed criminals


The third person from the right is Alicia Gámez




One of the mediators




Back to live


Ok, lets count the money

Regards

Ulrich
Reply With Quote
  #162  
Old 15 Mar 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Oxford, U.K.
Posts: 625
A court in Mauri charged 7 people with the Spanish kidnapping.
Among the seven accused, three are being prosecuted for "participating in a crime concerning an attack on the life and security of people, as well as their kidnapping and illegal detainment".
Two others were charged for "offering shelter to, and preventing the arrest of terrorists" and two others for "providing food" to the kidnappers.
The main accused is 52-year-old Amar Ould Sid'Ahmed, alias Amar As-Sahraouiet, arrested in mid-February by a Mauritanian "commando" in Mali.
He was suspected of having given logistical assistance to the kidnappers but also taking part himself in the kidnapping of the Spaniards and taking them to the AQIM base in northern Mali.

Source, with not much more info than is already quoted above:
Mauritania kidnapping: 7 charged: News24: Africa: News
Reply With Quote
  #163  
Old 15 Mar 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Oxford, U.K.
Posts: 625
Have a look at the group photo of AQ IM and the 3 Spaniards that Ulrich posted 3 days before this posting. The Spanish guy on the left looks like he is injured - it looks like he is supported by something and has a blanket over him. Recall there was a report that one of these guys got shot in the abduction.

On another note, there is very little news from either the French guy or the Spanish woman who were released. My guess is that the details of what goes on in NE Mali is not being released.
Reply With Quote
  #164  
Old 31 Mar 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,465
In a total about-turn it is reported that the Mauri government have started negotiations to liberate 67 Aqim prisoners, with Burkina Faso officials as mediators.

Lutte anti-Al Qaïda au Sahel : Tout le monde joue-t-il le jeu ? - Temoust.org | Le portail du peuple touareg berbère Kel Tamasheq

"However, the latest news, this weekend, the Mauritanian government, against all odds, has started negotiations with Burkina Faso for the release of 67 members of Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb prison in Nouakchot"

psst, a tip - if you use Google Chrome as a browser, you get automatic translation of all web pages (if you so wish)
Reply With Quote
  #165  
Old 31 Mar 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: yorkshire
Posts: 362
intel must have a rought idea where they are
send in a unit at 4am ,while they sleep and take the f--ker's out.
stop pussy footing about !
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 5 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 5 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
Western Sahara and Mauritania Chris Garden North Africa 10 11 Jan 2009 20:28
Mauritania -> Western Sahara Spring 08 zurstadt North Africa 0 1 Oct 2008 19:37
western sahara to Noadhibou, Mauritania Dominic1 North Africa 3 21 May 2003 05:25
western sahara and mauritania manuafrica North Africa 4 10 May 2003 23:02

 
 

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!

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 04:01.