Who is Sophie Petronin?

Sophie Pétronin, 76, was captured by al-Qaida in 2016 while working in Gao, northeastern Mali. She was released in October 2020 when the new Malian regime swapped dozens of jihadist prisoners for several hostages. According to Mediapart, Pétronin returned to Mali in March despite being denied a visa.

Who is Jeffrey woodke?

Els Woodke’s husband, Jeffery Woodke, is a Christian humanitarian aid worker who was kidnapped in October 2016 in Niger, where he had worked for decades aiding nomadic peoples in the Sahel region.

Where is Jeff woodke?

Though he was believed to have been abducted by a West African affiliate of the Islamic State, Woodke is now thought to be in Africa’s vast Sahel region and held by JNIM, according to his wife.

How did the French colonize Mali?

Mali fell under French colonial rule in 1892. By 1893, the French appointed a civilian governor of the territory they called Soudan Français (French Sudan), but active resistance to French rule continued. By 1905, most of the area was under firm French control.

Is Sophie Petronin converted to Islam?

After her release, Petronin said she had converted to Islam while in captivity and called her detention “a spiritual retreat.” She asked to be called by the name Mariam, not Sophie.

When did France take over Mali?

What impact did France have on Mali?

French rule had influenced Mali in several aspects, such as the adoption of the French language as the main language of Mali. Due to this, France and Mali have a strong connection. Both are members of Organisation internationale de la Francophonie. There are over 120,000 Malians in France.

Is Mali under French rule?

On 31 March 1960 France agreed to the Federation of Mali becoming fully independent. On 20 June 1960 the Federation of Mali became an independent country and Modibo Keïta became its first President.

How did France colonized Mali?

How long was Mali a French colony?

The present boundaries of Mali are the legacy of 70 years of French colonial rule, from 1890-1960. During this period, a number of major changes were made to the country’s borders. 1890-99 – Mali became known as Soudan Francais (French Soudan).