As jihadist attacks plagued the city of Bamako last week, the story of a South African former hostage held by Al Qaeda for seven years in the desert has come to light. Gerco van Deventer, who was captured in Libya in 2017 and transferred to Al Qaeda’s Mali faction, the JNIM, has shared his harrowing experience in an exclusive interview with FRANCE 24.
Van Deventer’s ordeal began four years ago when he was taken captive by the terrorist group and held in the brutal desert conditions for an extensive period. Despite facing unimaginable challenges and threats to his life, he managed to survive and was eventually freed, eager to reintegrate into society and leave his traumatic past behind.
In his interview with FRANCE 24, Van Deventer recounts the grueling conditions he endured during his captivity and the mental and physical toll it took on him. He bravely shares the details of his experience, shedding light on the complex and dangerous world of hostage-taking by terrorist organizations such as Al Qaeda.
As the world continues to grapple with the threat of terrorism, stories like Gerco van Deventer’s serve as a poignant reminder of the real human cost of conflict and extremism. His resilience and courage in the face of unimaginable adversity are a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the most challenging of circumstances.
Watch the video by FRANCE 24 English
Video “Exclusive: Former Al Qaeda’s hostage held for seven years in the desert speaks to FRANCE 24” was uploaded on 09/25/2024 to Youtube Channel FRANCE 24 English