Skip to Content
AP National

Canadian recounts her abduction by jihadis in Burkina Faso

KIFI
By
Published 2:53 AM

By SAM MEDNICK
Associated Press

OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso (AP) — Nearly a year and a half after being abducted by Islamic extremists in Burkina Faso, Edith Blais risked her life to escape, fearing she’d never be free. Blais spoke with the Associated Press by phone ahead of this week’s publication of her book recounting the ordeal, “The Weight of Sand: My 450 Days Held Hostage in the Sahara.”  The 37-year-old Canadian and her Italian companion were captured by jihadis in December 2018 in eastern Burkina Faso and were held in the desert in northern Mali for 15 months before fleeing one night on foot. For years jihadi groups linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State in the Sahel have used hostage taking for ransom as a way to fund operations and expand their presence. 

Article Topic Follows: AP National

Jump to comments ↓

Author Profile Photo

Associated Press

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

KIFI Local News 8 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.

Skip to content