It has been two weeks since the kidnappers of Amanda Lindhout, 27, of Sylvan Lake and her Australian colleague Nigel Brennan reportedly demanded a $2.5-million ransom. The kidnappers reportedly said that if they were not paid within 15 days, they would kill the pair.
It has been two weeks without word of any developments as the deadline approaches.
But that doesn't mean the situation is dire, says the president of Toronto-based think-tank Mackenzie Institute.
"In this case, no news is literally no news," said John Thompson. "This is Somalia. Modern communications infrastructure doesn't exist there anymore.
"You're looking at a country where, more or less, the phone lines are down and communications are normally with a great deal of diplomacy. Nothing ever happens quickly."
If negotiations had to take place in person, it could slow the process, said Thompson.
A Canada Foreign Affairs spokesman would only confirm efforts are still ongoing.
"We're trying all appropriate measures to seek more information on Ms. Lindhout's welfare and we are assisting the family in securing her safe release as well as that of Mr. Brennan," said Lisa Monett.
The two, plus a Somali journalist and two guards, were kidnapped 20 km southwest of Mogadishu on Aug. 23. A ransom was demanded in September. On Oct. 13, the captors issued a 15-day timeline.
The family has previously said they have been warned by Foreign Affairs to not discuss the case publicly.
The deadline should not be thought of as a worry for the pair's safety, said Thompson.
"Normally, deadlines like this are open-ended anyway. To a kidnapper, especially if they're doing this for a profit, then your kidnapped become an asset."
Source: Sun Media, Oct 27, 2008