Mali: Record Ransom Paid for Former Emirati General’s Release
The Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), which has been obstructing Mali since early September by blocking fuel supplies, secured a record ransom of $50 million for freeing three hostages, including a former Emirati general and member of Dubai’s royal family.
Details of the Ransom and Hostages
Investigative journalist Wassim Nasr, a contributor to France 24 and jihadism expert, reconstructed the kidnappings by the Al Qaeda-affiliated group. According to his sources:
- JNIM received up to $50 million in cash and $20 million worth of ammunition.
- The released included Joumaa bin Maktoum al-Maktoum, a retired Emirati general involved in the gold trade and a Dubai royal family member.
- Two other hostages were residents of the UAE: one Pakistani citizen and one Iranian employee.
Additional Kidnappings and Demands
JNIM also claimed responsibility for abducting two Egyptian hostages, suspected of collaborating with Mali’s ruling junta, demanding a $5 million ransom for their release.
“JNIM denied kidnapping an American pilot,” reported Wassim Nasr.
Context
JNIM has been disrupting Mali’s fuel supplies since September, applying pressure through their kidnappings and ransom demands, signaling a shift in their kidnapping strategy.
Author’s Summary
JNIM secured a historic $50 million ransom for releasing hostages in Mali, marking a strategic pivot in their kidnap-for-ransom tactics amid ongoing regional instability.