Italians are safe and sound

Family kidnapped in Mali released after 1.5 years

Soldiers in Mali (symbolic image)(Bild: AFP )

A family from Italy was held captive by kidnappers in the West African country of Maili for more than a year and a half. Now Rocco Langone, Maria Donata Caivano and Giovanni Langone have been released - the couple and their son are said to be in good health. 

In May 2022, the three Italians were kidnapped in a village on the outskirts of the city of Koutiala by a jihadist group believed to be linked to the al-Qaeda terrorist network. Four armed men stormed the family home. They had lived there in a Jehovah's Witness community. The area lies on the border with Burkina Faso, where there are numerous Islamist groups. There are often kidnappings in the area.

The family had lived in the settlement for several years. After 44-year-old Giovanni moved there, his father Rocco (66) and his mother Maria (64) later followed. 

The Italian foreign intelligence service Aise and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were involved in the release. The release was negotiated through increased contact with tribal leaders and local secret services. Despite their long imprisonment, the three are in good health and should be brought to Rome on Tuesday, it was reported.