As an update to previous postings, Kenyan Tourism Minister Najib Balala reportedly has organized a team of negotiators who are planning to travel to Somalia in an effort to either facilitate Dedieu's rescue or negotiate directly with kidnappers for her release. Kenyan officials are blaming the Somali militant group, al-Shabab. Presumably, this plan would also include Briton Judith Tebbutt, 56, who was kidnapped from roughly the same area in Kenya as was Dedieu, weeks earlier. Mrs. Tebbutt's husband, David, 58, was shot and killed trying to protect his wife.
COMMENT: The stakes are very high for Kenya, who has been touting tourism in the area from which British and French captives were kidnapped. Unfortunately, the area was being developed in the absence of adequate security resources to protect tourists from Somalian pirates. No doubt, both the British and French governments are pressing the Kenyans for action, as both Dedieu and Tebbett are ill and need medical attention.
Practically speaking, though, Somalian pirates are not well-known for their compassion and generosity. It is reasonable to assume that both Dedieu and Tebbett are frequently moved so as to avoid pinpointing their location for a possible rescue operation, either by joint or independent French/Kenyan and British/Kenyan operations. It is more likely that the Kenyans may be forced to dig deep into their pockets and pay a stout ransom for the release of both women. The question is, whether they have the political will to do so.
COMMENT: The stakes are very high for Kenya, who has been touting tourism in the area from which British and French captives were kidnapped. Unfortunately, the area was being developed in the absence of adequate security resources to protect tourists from Somalian pirates. No doubt, both the British and French governments are pressing the Kenyans for action, as both Dedieu and Tebbett are ill and need medical attention.
Practically speaking, though, Somalian pirates are not well-known for their compassion and generosity. It is reasonable to assume that both Dedieu and Tebbett are frequently moved so as to avoid pinpointing their location for a possible rescue operation, either by joint or independent French/Kenyan and British/Kenyan operations. It is more likely that the Kenyans may be forced to dig deep into their pockets and pay a stout ransom for the release of both women. The question is, whether they have the political will to do so.
