After over six years in captivity, Gerco van Deventer, a South African hostage of Al Qaeda, has been released by non-profit organization Gift of the Givers. The organization negotiated his release, reducing the ransom demand to $500,000 and appealing to the captors’ humanity during periods of religious significance in Islam. This triumph of humanity serves as a testament to the tireless efforts of humanitarian organizations and emphasizes the strength of persistent negotiation, international cooperation, and the indomitable spirit of humanity.
After over six years in captivity, Gerco van Deventer, a South African hostage of Al Qaeda, has been released by non-profit organization Gift of the Givers. The organization negotiated his release, reducing the ransom demand to $500,000 and appealing to the captors’ humanity during periods of religious significance in Islam. This triumph of humanity serves as a testament to the tireless efforts of humanitarian organizations and emphasizes the strength of persistent negotiation, international cooperation, and the indomitable spirit of humanity.
In a display of remarkable human resilience and determination, Gerco van Deventer, a South African captive of Al Qaeda, regained his freedom after over six years. This significant event concludes a strenuous journey for Van Deventer, who now carries the dubious honor of being the longest detained South African hostage.
The non-profit organization, Gift of the Givers, announced Van Deventer’s unconditional release. Acting on the family’s request in 2018, the organization entered the scene to negotiate Van Deventer’s release. The hostage’s family sought the help of Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), a group already known to the non-profit from prior negotiations for the release of hostages Stephen McGown, Johan Gustafsson, and Christo Bothma.
Initially, the captors demanded a hefty $3 million ransom for Van Deventer’s release. Displaying excellent negotiation skills, Gift of the Givers managed to reduce the ransom demand to a more manageable $500,000. However, raising even this reduced amount was not without its challenges. “The family was unable to pay the ransom, there was no benefactor, [and] the company that Gerco had recently started working for was unable to assist,” shares Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, the founder of Gift of the Givers.
Negotiations reached an impasse and subsequently went dormant, worsened by the interruption of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the non-profit organization reignited the process in January 2023, fighting for Van Deventer’s release. Even with nothing new to offer, the organization used periods of religious significance in Islam, Ramadan and Hajj, to appeal to the captors’ humanity and enlisted help from religious leaders to support their appeal.
Responding to Gift of the Givers’ humanitarian work following the Morocco Earthquake, the captors, with ties to Morocco, sent an indirect message of appreciation. The organization seized this opportunity to request Van Deventer’s unconditional release once more.
An unexpected turn of events saw the intervention of a chief intermediary in Mali, who asked for video messages from Van Deventer’s family. This request coincided with the tragic killing of Ahmed Abbasi, the head of the Gift of the Givers office in Gaza, by Israeli Occupation Forces. The connection between this event and the hostage situation remains unclear.
As negotiations progressed, an unknown voice from Mauritania hinted at a possible release. However, the journey was far from concluded. Transferring Van Deventer into Algeria came with difficulties due to conflicts between the Mali military and the Tuaregs.
The individual from Mauritania proposed a release via Mauritania State Security, which was declined, adding another layer of complexity to an already intricate situation. Eventually, Gift of the Givers received confirmation from South African State Security that Algerian State Security had announced Van Deventer’s release and immediate medical assessment at a hospital.
The anticipation builds as Van Deventer’s health status remains unknown, and plans for his return to his wife Shereen and son Asher are in motion. “It has been six agonizing years of prayer, patience, and hope. May Gerco return home soon, safely,” Sooliman expresses, voicing the collective relief and expectation of a nation.
The release of Van Deventer serves as a testament to the persistence and tireless efforts of humanitarian organizations in tackling seemingly impossible challenges. His long-awaited freedom is a beacon of hope and a victory not only for him and his family but also for those who remain in captivity worldwide. His story emphasizes the strength of persistent negotiation, international cooperation, and the indomitable spirit of humanity.
Gerco van Deventer is a South African hostage of Al Qaeda who was held captive for over six years.
His release was negotiated by non-profit organization Gift of the Givers.
Initially, the captors demanded a $3 million ransom for his release.
Gift of the Givers managed to reduce the ransom demand to $500,000 through excellent negotiation skills.
Gift of the Givers appealed to the captors’ humanity during periods of religious significance in Islam, such as Ramadan and Hajj, to facilitate his release.
Van Deventer’s release serves as a testament to the tireless efforts of humanitarian organizations and emphasizes the strength of persistent negotiation, international cooperation, and the indomitable spirit of humanity.
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