1/ π¨ Breaking down the UAE's controversial ransom payment to JNIM in Mali π²π± for the release of two Emirati hostages.
Based on recent reports, this deal involved massive cash and arms, boosting the jihadist group amid escalating tensions.
Based on recent reports, this deal involved massive cash and arms, boosting the jihadist group amid escalating tensions.
2/ The two Emiratis π¦πͺ, part of an official military cooperation mission, were abducted on Sept 23, 2025, near Bamako alongside an Iranian national.
They were supervising delivery of drones and comm systems from a UAE firm to Mali's army.
They were supervising delivery of drones and comm systems from a UAE firm to Mali's army.
3/ JNIM demanded $100M and release of prisoners. Negotiations, mediated by Ahmada Ag Bibi (who handled past releases like Sophie PΓ©tronin for France π«π·), hit snags when many demanded detainees were found dead from torture in Malian custody.
4/ The final deal includes: UAE paid ~$50M in cash (some reports say up to $70M, with $20M substituting for munitions). Plus, 20 tons of weapons delivered via Chad πΉπ©, and Mali released ~25-30 JNIM members.
5/ The hostages were freed and arrived in Bamako from Gao. They allegedly flew out on Oct 31 via a SkyMark Executive Gulfstream to Dubai π¦πͺ (reg. T7-LJA), as suggested by @fabsenbln .
6/ This payout gives JNIM a huge cash and arms infusion, fueling their operations.
It strengthens the group imposing a fuel blockade on Bamako π²π±, forcing business closures and long petrol lines β just 30km from the capital.
It strengthens the group imposing a fuel blockade on Bamako π²π±, forcing business closures and long petrol lines β just 30km from the capital.
7/ Critics blast UAE for arming terrorists, but Mali's govt fully agreed β possibly gaining extras like military gear from Abu Dhabi.
8/ Meanwhile, other foreign hostages (Chinese, Indian, Iranian) remain captive, lacking similar resources or political will for deals.
This highlights how kidnappings are still among the most effective ways of funding for extremists in the Sahel.
This highlights how kidnappings are still among the most effective ways of funding for extremists in the Sahel.
9/ The episode draws parallels to past ransoms, like France's $17M payment in 2013 (via Mali) for four hostages from the 2010 Arlit uranium mine abduction by Islamists.
10/ Meanwhile, governments worldwide advise against travel to Mali and urge citizens to leave βοΈ, fearing for their nationals amid the imminent security collapse.
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