A French journalist abducted by Islamist militants in the northern Mali city of Gao last month has appeared in a video appealing to French authorities to do everything they can for his release.

“I’m Olivier Dubois. I’m French. I’m a journalist. I was kidnapped in Gao on April 8 by the JNIM (al Qaeda North Africa),” Dubois said.

“I’m speaking to my family, my friends and the French authorities for them to do everything in their power free me,” the kidnapped man said in a 21-second video shared on social media platforms.

Reuters was not immediately able to confirm the video’s authenticity.

Malian authorities were not immediately available for comment while the French foreign ministry declined to comment.