French Pres. Announces Release of AQIM Abducted Journalist

French President, Emmanuel Macron announced, on his official Twitter account, the release of French journalist Olivier Dubois who was kidnapped two years ago by the Nusrat Al-Islam terrorist organization in Mali, an Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) offshoot.
The French journalist was set free alongside American aid worker Jeffery Woodky, who was captured on Oct 14th, 2016 in Niger and transferred to Mali. Both were received by Nigerien Interior Minister Hamadou Adamou Souley in Niamey airport.
The ex-hostages will return to their countries soon, said Souley.
The release of the journalist comes few days after the interview by France 24 with head of AQIM Abou Obeida Yousouf al- Annabi. A gesture interpreted by many as proof of the existence of latent ties between Macron and the terrorist group.
The timing of the release is well chosen as it could be perceived as a diplomatic win amid the chaotic situation in France.