Maghreb Edition

Last French hostage Serge Lazarevic freedF



Posted On 9 December 2014

Number of times this article was read : 418

French President François Hollande announced today the release of Serge Lazarevic. Kidnapped in Hombori (Mali) by al- Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) November 24, 2011 with Philippe Verdon , who was assassinated in 2013, Serge Lazarevic , 50, was the last French hostage held in the world. The statement from the French Presidency said that Serge Lazarevic is “relatively healthy.”

Sign up to free weekly recap on North Africa and the Sahel

We send out a weekly newsletter every Friday, highlighting the most important events of the week. Sign up today, it is free.

Why Morocco’s Protests Aren’t Just About Youth: The Fight for Dignity and JusticeF

Morocco is facing its largest wave of unrest in years, with mass protests erupting across major cities demanding better hospitals, schools, and an end to corruption.

The North Africa Journal's WhatsApp Group

Most Recent Stories from the Region

Algeria and Niger Relaunch Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline After Diplomatic FreezeF

Algeria and Niger have ended months of strained relations and announced the operational launch of the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, a 4,000-kilometer project linking Nigerian gas fields to European markets through Niger and Algeria. The move signals both a diplomatic reset and a renewed push to position North Africa as a strategic energy corridor.

Algeria and Niger Restore Ties, Signaling a Shift in Sahel Diplomacy✓

Algeria and Niger restored diplomatic relations after nearly a year of tensions triggered by regional security disputes. The return of ambassadors and a planned high-level visit signal renewed cooperation centered on energy development, border security, and regional trade. The rapprochement highlights the strategic importance of the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and reflects broader efforts to stabilize partnerships across the Sahel amid ongoing security and economic pressures.

Nigeria: More than 160 people killed in Muslim communities in Kwara State✓

More than 160 people were killed in predominantly Muslim farming communities in Kwara State, Nigeria, after villagers reportedly refused to accept an extremist group’s strict religious rule.

Written by The NAJ

The North Africa Journal is a leading English-language publication focused on North Africa. The Journal covers primarily the Maghreb region and expands its general coverage to the Sahel, Egypt, and beyond, when events in those regions affect the broader North Africa geography. The Journal does not have any affiliation with any institution and has been independent since its founding in 1996. Our position is to always bring our best analysis of events affecting the region, and remain as neutral as humanly possible. Our coverage is not limited to one single topic, but ranges from economic and political affairs, to security, defense, social and environmental issues. We rely on our full staff analysts and editors to bring you best-in-class analysis. We also work with sister company MEA Risk LLC, to leverage the presence on the ground of a solid network of contributors and experts. Information on MEA Risk can be found at www.MEA-Risk.com.