two women freed after year held in Niger
Swiss and Austrian nationals were kidnapped separately in Agadez and have now arrived in Libya.
Two European women, a Swiss and an Austrian, have been freed in Libya after being held captive in Niger for over a year. Austrian Eva Gretzmacher, 76, and Swiss Claudia Abbt, 69, were kidnapped separately in Agadez in January and April last year. The circumstances of their release and who held them remain undisclosed.
The Austrian and Swiss governments confirmed the release of their citizens following intensive diplomatic efforts. Gretzmacher had spent many years in Niger as an aid worker, while both women were involved in education and development initiatives. Abbt is reportedly on her way back to Switzerland and receiving medical care.
The kidnappings occurred in Niger's northern Agadez region, an area previously linked to Islamic State militants. The release comes more than a year and a half after the women were abducted. Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger stated that joint efforts with regional, European, and international partners had paid off.
Why it mattersTwo European women were kidnapped in Niger and have now been freed.