BAMAKO – Relatives and supporters on Wednesday awaited the return of a prominent Malian politician and a French aid worker released by Islamic extremists, as concerns deepened about the potential fallout from the freeing of nearly 200 extremists in an apparent exchange.Family members of Soumaila Cisse and Sophie Petronin indicated Tuesday that they had been notified of their release, though there was no official confirmation from the Malian or French governments.
The word came just days after the freed extremists were flown to the northern town of Tessalit.In Paris, French government spokesperson Gabriel Attal told reporters it was an “extremely sensitive” issue requiring “the greatest discretion." Laith Alkhouri, an intelligence specialist.