Family reflects on Frenchman Serge Lazarevic kidnapped two years ago in Mali

Today marks the second year anniversary since Frenchman Serge Lazarevic was abducted in Mali. Lazarevic, who is an independent businessman, was kidnapped by Al Qaeda in Islamic Maghred (AQIM) in November 2011 along with Philippe Verdon, who was fatally shot in July 2013 in Northern Mali.

Jean-Pierre Verdon (left) next to Diane Lazarevic (right), the father and daughter of Philippe Verdon and Serge Lazarevic in Paris. AFP PHOTO KENZO TRIBOUILLARD

Lazarevic’s daughter Diane spoke out on Friday along with the David Rodrigues-Leal, the brother of Gilberto Rodrigues-Leal, who was also kidnapped just several days earlier in Mali.

Lazarevic's daughter Diane has this message for her father.

“Dad, if you hear this it's Diane. I want you to know that I think about you a lot,” the younger Lazarevic said. “I have a lot of hope that we'll be reunited and all together again. I can't wait to hold you in my arms and give you a big hug. Take care. Do what they tell you to. Obey their orders. I love you, I think about you and I hope we'll be reunited.”