Sebastian Chadaud-Petronin, son of kidnapped aid worker Sophie Petronin, flew to the Malian capital Bamako on Tuesday before her possible release. He told FRANCE 24 that the family remains cautious about the news.
Petronin, who is in his 70s, was released along with Malian opposition leader Cisse in exchange for the release of many suspected Islamist rebels by the Malian authorities, three sources told Reuters on Monday.
Malian and French authorities have neither confirmed nor denied that Sophie Petronin and abducted Mali politician Soumaila Cisse have been released or that talks about their potential release are underway.
Islamic gunmen abducted Petronin in December 2016 in the northern Malian city of Gao, where she ran a charity for malnourished and orphaned children, while Cisse was abducted in March.
Petronin’s son, Sebastian Chadaud-Petronin, flew to Bamako, the capital of the West African nation, before her possible release. Chadaud-Petronin told FRANCE 24 on Tuesday that it was still too early to celebrate.
“Honestly, I came because I’m afraid she’s not coming all the way to Paris, so I try to get as close to her as possible,” he said. “I expect to find her sick, very weak. I hope she can still see; I do not think she is able to stand. ”
“I’m not under any illusions, but … no matter what state she’s in, I know she’s still ready. I am very happy to have her back, ”he added.
(FRANCE 24 with REUTERS)
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