There is renewed hope that Swellendam paramedic Gerco van Deventer could soon be released.
Gift of the Givers negotiator, Mohamed Yehia Dicko, received a latest ‘proof of life’ video over the weekend, which seems to have been recorded this past Friday, 26 May.
The video was sent to Dicko by the intermediaries, who in turn received it from Al-Qaeda directly.
In the video, van Deventer gives the date, and pleads for assistance from anyone who could help secure his release.
“I am requesting urgent help and assistance to facilitate and activate any action that can lead to my release.
“I do not know of my family’s whereabouts or their well-being. I am requesting assistance to facilitate and help me build a bridge to [connect] with the outside world, for me to gain what was taken from me, my freedom and liberty.”
He seems unaware that Gift of the Givers has been trying negotiating his release. Van Deventer also says he is unaware of his family’s whereabouts or their well-being.
Gift of the Givers Founder Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman says this week is an extremely important week for the negotiations.
WATCH: Van Deventer pleads for his freedom in new ‘proof of life’ video:
Van Deventer, who was working as a paramedic in Afghanistan, was moved to Libya in late 2017 for safer working conditions, but instead was kidnapped in Libya and sold to an Al-Qaeda group in Mali, where he’s been ever since.
The Gift of the Givers has been working tirelessly to secure his release.
Earlier this month, Gift’s negotiator Mohamed Yehia Dicko, returned from Mali, after having ”fruitful engagements” with the captors, who opened the door to further dialogue.
Dicko returned to Mali and is now engaged in further negotiations.
Gift founder Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman says they want the unconditional release of Van Deventer, without paying any ransom money. The captors had last demanded $500 000.
On 3 June, Gerco will have been in captivity for 5 years and 7 months.
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