The Trump administration says the safe return of an American missionary pilot kidnapped in Niger is its top priority as evangelical groups call for mass prayer. Kevin Rideout, who flies humanitarian missions for Serving in Mission, was taken from his home in a secure neighborhood in Niger’s capital of Niamey and by three armed men who are members of an offshoot of ISIS. He has reportedly been taken to an ISIS stronghold in the northern part of the country. “It is a top priority for the Trump Administration to look after the safety of every American, and we are seeing efforts from across the U.S. government to support the recovery and safe return of this U.S. citizen,” the State Department said in a statement.
Rideout, 48, has worked for SIM for more than 10 years, along with his brother Ian. They support a variety of missions, from helping to drill wells to aiding refugees to helping widows and orphans. The brothers are from Tennessee. Niamey is a dangerous place for foreigners. The country was taken over in a military coup in 2023 and the president is detained in his palace, ironically about 100 yards from where Rideout was abducted. Americans have been advised against going anywhere in public.
Darwin candidate. Don’t stick your head in the noose. Not everyone really want’s to be “saved”.
Tom, though I probably would not just now verbalize what you just said, I will say that everything you just said was my own personal policy while performing humanitarian flight ops on the African continent in the ‘70s and ‘80s. Supporting public health, education, community development and simply being part of local infrastructure in these settings is enough without also putting oneself at risk of demise by targeted political and sectarian violence. At that point one extricates oneself from the environment.
Fair enough John. Humanitarian aid is certainly needed in many areas in Africa. In hostile and dangerous places aid is best left to military and large, well funded organizations. When philosophies and belief systems clash, “then trouble’s a’brewin” as is probably the case here. A hostage situation is no fun for anyone, especially folks with families. “Once bit-twice shy”.
“When philosophies and belief systems clash, “then trouble’s a’brewin”. On proselytizing Tom, we are in agreement. I have never been nor am I a proselyte. It’s live and let live for me. I was working for well funded organizations. From personal philosophy as well as first hand observation I would quibble with you on the effectiveness of military humanitarian involvement. But this is not the forum for that. Happy flying!
O.K. I don’t have a “dog in this race” either. Live and let live works for me as well. I think many would like to help others in difficult circumstances, but we need be mindful of what is acceptable and effective to other societies. BTW, Paul theroux’s book “Dark star Africa” is interesting and thought provoking I’ve found.
O.K. I don’t have a “dog in this race” either. Live and let live works for me as well. I think many would like to help others in difficult circumstances, but we need be mindful of what is acceptable and effective to other societies. BTW, Paul theroux’s book “Dark star Africa” is interesting and thought provoking I’ve found.