https://cassette.sphdigital.com.sg/image/straitstimes/166fe7e739e96f4317755e1e93452a1f8b9aad5e2b1688b5104e65caa97b3cc4
A Spanish national, Gilbert Navarro, who had been kidnapped in southern Algeria last week, has been released by the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), a coalition of separatist armed groups in Mali. According to a spokesperson for the FLA on January 21, Navarro is in good health following his release.
The kidnapping occurred on January 17 when Navarro was abducted by a “transnational mafia” in Algeria before being transported to Mali. The FLA located Navarro and his captors in the eastern region of Menaka, where they successfully negotiated his release.
After surrounding the kidnappers near the town of Indelimane, FLA fighters were able to secure Navarro’s freedom. The Spanish man will soon be handed over to Algerian authorities for repatriation and reunification with his family. The details surrounding the negotiations remain unclear, but the incident highlights the volatile situation in the Sahel region, where abductions have become more frequent, particularly in Mali. The kidnapping was initially reported by Spain’s Foreign Ministry, which later confirmed the hostage’s release but withheld further details on the circumstances.
This incident underscores the growing instability in Algeria and Mali, both of which have faced escalating violence and political unrest. Algeria, which has historically mediated conflicts in the region, is increasingly at odds with Mali’s ruling military junta, especially since the collapse of a peace agreement with separatist groups in 2023. Mali’s junta, now in power after a series of coups, has declared groups like the FLA as terrorists, leading to a shift in the country’s alliances, with the junta turning to Russian mercenaries rather than Western support. Kidnapping for ransom has become a common tactic used by armed groups in this volatile region, further complicating efforts for peace and stability.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/mali-spanish-man-kidnapped-algeria-freed-c65049e49fbe5937b0295c5dc7d5131b