In a landmark move, France has announced the release of one of its officials, held in Niger for 61 days by the country’s security forces. This release marks an end to a lengthy period of tension between France and Niger, and has been met with both praise and relief from France and Niger alike.
The hostage, Franck Laskier, had been working with the French Foreign Legion in Niger when he was taken prisoner by a group of armed rebels on April 1. The French government had been working hard to negotiate his release, and in the end, it came as a result of an agreement between the two nations.
Laskier was released on June 1, but it was not until June 7 that the French government officially announced the news. On the same day, President Nicolas Sarkozy praised the successful efforts to free Laskier, and thanked the people of Niger for their cooperation in bringing it about. Sarkozy also expressed his admiration for the Nigerien security forces for their bravery in rescuing the French official.
In a statement released on the Foreign Ministry website, the Ministry said that, “France is particularly proud that the circle of solidarity between Paris and Niamey has once again demonstrated its effectiveness.”
The announcement of the release of Laskier has been met with overwhelming support from France and Niger. It has also been a sign of improving relations between the two countries, which have long had a tense history due to their former colonial status. This latest development is encouraging news for both France and Niger and bodes well for the future relations of the two countries.
