Mali did have prisoners swapped for Frenchman Lazarevic

 

Serge Lazarevic (l) was greeted by President Hollande on his return to France

Mali has confirmed that four Islamist militants were freed in exchange for the release of French hostage Serge Lazarevic this week. "Yes, we did it and we have done it for Malians before, too," said Justice Minister Mohamed Ali Bathily. 

 
Mr Lazarevic was seized by armed men in Mali in 2011 and was the last French hostage in the region still being held by al-Qaeda-linked militants. France had refused to confirm reports of a prisoner exchange.
 
"Here it concerned a citizen who comes from a country that came to help us, when our country was in a critical situation," Mr Bathily told France 24 television, referring to France's military intervention against insurgents in Mali last year.
"The authorities of his country were fighting to release the hostages. Mali for its reputation and honour could only help to save the life of the hostage."