Gerco van Deventer, a South African paramedic, has been released after a gruelling six-year captivity by al-Qaeda.
Gerco van Deventer released by al-Qaeda: Here’s everything we know
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Captured in Libya on 3 November 2017, his ordeal took him through the hands of an al Qaeda splinter group and eventually to Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) al-Qaeda.
His release, announced by the Gift of the Givers on 17 December 2023, concludes what has been the longest period of captivity for a South African held by a militant group.
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Van Deventer’s journey into captivity began in the conflict-ridden landscapes of Libya. His abduction and subsequent transfer to JNIM in Mali marked the start of a long and uncertain period in the hands of one of the world’s most notorious militant organisations.
The specifics of his time in captivity, including the conditions and experiences he faced, have not been made public.
While unclear, the role of Gift of the Givers was central in securing van Deventer’s release. The South African humanitarian organisation made it abundantly clear that his release was unconditional.
It was a significant moment in a complex process typically shrouded in secrecy and sensitive negotiations involving political and state security groups.
The exact details of the negotiations that led to van Deventer’s release remain private. Such negotiations often involve a myriad of challenges and delicate diplomatic efforts, especially when dealing with groups like al Qaeda.
