Swiss and Austrian Women Freed After More Than a Year in Niger Captivity

Two European women who were kidnapped separately in Niger have been freed after more than a year in captivity and handed over to authorities in Benghazi, eastern Libya.

The women, Austrian national Eva Gretzmacher, 76, and Swiss citizen Claudia Abbt, 69, were abducted in the northern Nigerien city of Agadez in January and April last year. The circumstances surrounding their release and the identities of their captors have not been disclosed.

Governments Confirm Release

The Austrian and Swiss governments confirmed the women’s release following diplomatic efforts.

Austria’s Foreign Minister, Beate Meinl-Reisinger, said Gretzmacher was freed after intensive diplomatic efforts, expressing relief after more than 21 months in captivity.

Switzerland’s foreign ministry said officials met Abbt in Benghazi, where she received medical care. The ministry added that she was doing well under the circumstances and was on her way back to Switzerland.

Swiss officials also established a task force involving foreign affairs authorities, police and other agencies following Abbt’s kidnapping. Switzerland maintained contact with Austria throughout the process.

Security Concerns in the Sahel

Gretzmacher, an aid worker, had lived in Niger for many years, while Abbt had spent several years working as a community worker in Agadez.

Although no group has been confirmed as responsible for their abduction, previous reports linked the kidnappings to Islamic State militants.

Niger and other countries in the Sahel region continue to face jihadist violence, including kidnappings and deadly attacks by groups linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State.

Libya, where the women were handed over, remains divided between rival administrations in the east and west following years of instability after the 2011 uprising that toppled Muammar Gaddafi.

BBC News