French journalist freed

plane from Niamey, the capital of Niger, and was greeted by his wife and two children. On arrival, Dubois spoke with Macron for several hours, sharing his harrowing tale of survival.

Dubois was kidnapped on April 8, 2021, in the northern Malian town of Gao while attempting to interview a high­ranking jihadist leader. He was held captive by the same group that kidnapped Colombian nun Gloria Cecilia Narvaez, who was held more than four years, and American Missionary, Jeffery

Woodke, who was released with Dubois.

During captivity, Dubois was subjected to physical and psychological abuse, including being blindfolded and chained to a wall for days on end. He was also forced to convert to Islam and was regularly beaten and tortured by his captors.

Macron thanked Niger’s government for their help in securing his release.