Two women abducted in Niger are freed after more than a year
Austria and Switzerland confirmed that Eva Gretzmacher and Claudia Abbt had been freed after separate abductions in Niger. Both reached Benghazi in eastern Libya. Swiss officials said Abbt received medical care and was returning home. The release ends prolonged captivity, while the captors’ identities and the terms securing the women’s freedom remain undisclosed.
Geopolitics··Evening
Two women regain their freedom
Eva Gretzmacher and Claudia Abbt have been freed after separate kidnappings in Niger. Both women reached Benghazi, a city in eastern Libya. Austria and Switzerland confirmed their citizens’ release after more than a year in captivity.[1], [2]
Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger said Gretzmacher had been held for more than 21 months. She attributed the release to months of intensive diplomacy involving regional, European and international partners. The captors’ identities, demands and release terms were not disclosed.[1]
Switzerland arranges medical care and return
Switzerland’s foreign ministry said officials met Abbt in Benghazi and arranged medical care. She was doing well under the circumstances and returning to Switzerland. Swiss official Ignazio Cassis thanked those involved. After learning of the kidnapping, Switzerland formed a task force involving foreign affairs officials, police and other agencies, and maintained regular contact with Austria.[1]
Both had lived in Agadez
The women were abducted in January and April last year in Agadez, in northern Niger. Gretzmacher was an aid worker who had lived in Niger for many years; Abbt had lived in Agadez for several years and worked in the community. Niger has been under military rule since elected President Mohamed Bazoum was overthrown in 2023.[1]
