Journalist Olivier Dubois Reflects on 711 Days of Captivity in Mali

Dubois recounts his harrowing experience as an Al-Qaeda hostage and his determination to continue his journalism career in a new book.

Olivier Dubois, a French journalist, was held captive by the Al-Qaeda-affiliated Jnim group in Mali for 711 days from April 2021 to March 2023.
During his captivity, Dubois secretly documented his experiences, preserving his notes through extreme conditions, which formed the basis of his new book, 'Prisonnier du désert.'
Dubois describes his encounters with his captors, including an interview with Jnim's second-in-command, and reflects on the psychological toll of captivity and the uncertainty of survival.
He credits his journalistic instincts and the act of writing for helping him endure the ordeal and maintain hope throughout his detention.
Dubois remains committed to journalism despite the risks, though he acknowledges the increasing dangers for reporters in conflict zones like the Sahel.