French hostage in Mali reported 'dead'

Mali: French hostage Gilberto Rodrigues Leal 'is dead'

The report of Mr Rodrigues Leal's death came in a brief phone call from Yoro Abdoul Salam, a spokesman for the Mujao Islamist militant group.

Mr Rodrigues Leal was kidnapped in November 2012 by armed men near the western town of Kayes as he was driving a camper van from Mauritania.

The French foreign ministry said that the statement from Mujao "responsible for his kidnapping, leads us unfortunately to believe today that Mr Rodrigues Leal is probably dead, even though no material proof can allow us to confirm it".

A statement said France would "do all to uncover the truth... and will not leave this unpunished".

This is not a good news for Africa, but i believe the UN is working towards bringing things in order.