An elderly Italian couple and their son, who were kidnapped by jihadists in Mali in May 2022, have been released, announced the Italian government. Italy’s intelligence agency and the foreign ministry played a crucial role in securing their freedom, leveraging their contacts with community leaders and Mali’s intelligence agencies.
Rocco Langone, Maria Donata Caivano, and their son, Giovanni Langone, were abducted from their home outside the southern city of Koutiala. The family, who were Jehovah’s Witnesses, had plans to establish a church in Mali. Unfortunately, their domestic worker, a Togolese national, was also kidnapped, and her fate remains uncertain.
The family’s release comes as a relief, as the region of Mali where they resided was heavily infiltrated by jihadist groups. Reports indicate that the kidnappings were perpetrated by a faction associated with the Group to Support Islam and Muslims (JNIM), an al-Qaeda affiliate. Fortunately, the released family members are said to be in good health and are expected to return to Rome soon.
Mali has been grappling with an insurgency for over a decade, with jihadists frequently targeting foreign nationals for ransom or to secure the release of their fellow fighters. The situation worsened in 2021 when the military staged a coup, accusing the government of inadequate efforts to combat the insurgency. As a result, French troops and UN peacekeepers were expelled, and Russia’s Wagner group was brought in to assist in the fight against the jihadists. However, the insurgency shows no signs of abating.
The Italian government’s successful intervention in securing the release of the kidnapped family highlights the importance of international cooperation and intelligence sharing in combating terrorism. Italy’s intelligence agency, in close collaboration with community leaders and Malian intelligence agencies, demonstrated their capability to negotiate and secure the freedom of hostages.
The Italian family’s ordeal serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by foreign nationals residing or operating in areas plagued by Islamist insurgency. Kidnappings for ransom have become a lucrative business for jihadist groups across the Sahel, with foreigners often being targeted due to their perceived high value. These incidents further highlight the urgent need for regional and international efforts to address the root causes of insecurity and to enhance counter-terrorism measures in the Sahel region.
As Italy prepares to welcome back its citizens, the plight of their Togolese domestic worker remains unresolved. The uncertainty surrounding her fate underscores the urgent need for greater efforts to protect vulnerable individuals caught up in the violence and chaos of conflict zones. The international community must continue to work together to ensure the safety and security of all individuals, regardless of their nationality or socio-economic status, who fall victim to terrorism and conflict.
The release of the Italian family brings hope for others still held captive by jihadist groups in the Sahel region. It is a testament to the unwavering determination of countries like Italy to protect their citizens and secure their safe return. However, the fight against terrorism continues, and concerted efforts are required to dismantle the networks and ideologies that fuel these acts of violence.
