Two European Women Kidnapped in Niger Freed in Libya
Austrian Eva Gretzmacher and Swiss Claudia Abbt, held captive for over a year in Niger, have been released in Libya following diplomatic efforts.
Two European women, Austrian national Eva Gretzmacher (76) and Swiss national Claudia Abbt (69), who had been held captive for over a year in Niger, have been freed in the Libyan city of Benghazi. Both women were separately kidnapped in Agadez, northern Niger, in January and April of last year.
The Austrian and Swiss governments have confirmed the release of their citizens. While no details were provided regarding their captors or the circumstances of their release, previous reports had linked the kidnappings to Islamic State militants.
Highlights
- Austrian Eva Gretzmacher (76) and Swiss Claudia Abbt (69) were released in Libya after being held hostage for over a year in Niger.
- The women thanked Khalifa Haftar, military commander of eastern Libya, and his son, Saddam Haftar, for their release.
- The Austrian Foreign Minister stated that intensive diplomatic efforts had paid off.
- The Swiss Foreign Ministry confirmed Abbt was in good health and on her way back to Switzerland.
- Both women had lived and worked for many years in Niger as aid and community workers.
Details
Eva Gretzmacher, an Austrian national, had spent many years in Niger as an aid worker. Claudia Abbt, a Swiss national, had also lived and worked for several years as a community worker in Agadez. Both governments confirmed that significant diplomatic efforts were made to secure their release.
Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger stated, "We are all very relieved that Eva G. is free again after more than 21 months... For many months, we worked closely, discreetly, and in a spirit of trust with our regional, European, and international partners. These joint efforts have paid off." The Swiss foreign ministry added that Abbt had met with officials in Benghazi, received medical care, and was doing well under the circumstances as she returned to Switzerland.
Libya's al-Masar TV broadcast images showing the two women entering what appeared to be an ambulance and later being attended to by a health worker. Speaking in French, the women expressed their gratitude to Khalifa Haftar, the military commander of eastern Libya, and his son, Saddam Haftar, for their role in their release.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the ongoing threat of kidnappings and jihadist violence in Africa's Sahel region. Libya's struggle to recover from the chaos following the 2011 uprising and its division between two administrations further complicate the resolution of such crises. The release underscores the importance of international cooperation and diplomatic efforts in resolving hostage situations.