A Swiss woman and an Austrian woman were freed after being kidnapped in Niger. They are now in Libya awaiting travel back to their home countries.
Two European women recently regained their freedom. They spent over a year in captivity in Niger. Authorities in Libya received the women in the city of Benghazi.
Next, officials identified the women as Eva Gretzmacher and Claudia Abbt. Gretzmacher is a 76-year-old Swiss national. Abbt is a 69-year-old Austrian citizen.
Also, gunmen kidnapped the pair in the city of Agadez. These abductions occurred separately in January and April of last year. Both women lived in Niger for many years.
However, officials shared very few details about the captors. Some reports previously linked these kidnappings to Islamic State militants. No one disclosed the specific circumstances of their release.
Then, images showed the women entering an ambulance. Health workers provided care to them afterward. The women spoke in French to thank military commanders for their help.
Meanwhile, Libyan officials stated they would return the women home. They plan to complete necessary procedures before the final transfer. The women will return to their respective countries soon.
After that, a plane planned to depart from Benghazi on Thursday. It will stop in Vienna first to transfer Gretzmacher. Finally, the aircraft will continue to Switzerland with Abbt.
Still, the Sahel region faces significant security challenges. Niger deals with constant threats from jihadist groups. These groups often conduct kidnappings and deadly violent attacks.
Finally, the nation remains under military control. General Abdourahmane Tchiani took power in 2023. He removed the elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, from his position.