Austrian and Swiss women freed after year and half in Niger

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 14:02 · Archive

An Austrian aid worker and a Swiss citizen have been released after more than 18 months in captivity in Niger.

An Austrian aid worker identified as Eva G and a Swiss citizen have been freed in Niger after more than 18 months in captivity, according to officials and local media reported on Thursday. Eva G was kidnapped in Agadez in January last year, months before the Swiss woman was abducted from the same city in April 2025. Both women had lived in Niger for several years.

Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger received Eva G through the Austrian crisis team on Thursday. She said Austria had worked with Switzerland to find 'a safe solution' for both women. 'We are all very relieved that Eva G is free again after more than 21 months. This time was an unimaginable burden for her and her family,' Meinl-Reisinger stated. The Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed the release of the Swiss woman, with Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis noting she was on her way home.

Officials did not reveal who was responsible for the abductions or how both women were freed. Niger has battled a jihadi insurgency linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group for many years. Analysts say the country's security crisis has worsened since the military toppled the government in July 2023, with more frequent attacks despite the junta's promises to restore peace.

How it is being reported

• An Austrian and a Swiss woman freed in Niger after a year and half in captivityTwo women from Austria and Switzerland have been freed in Niger after spending more than a year and half in captivity, officials and local media reported Thursday.Clickorlando · 22 Oct, 12:46
• An Austrian and a Swiss woman freed in Niger after a year and half in captivityTwo women from Austria and Switzerland have been freed in Niger after spending more than a year and half in captivity, officials and local media reported Thursday.News4Jax · 22 Oct, 12:46

In this story: Eva G · Austria · Switzerland · Niger · Agadez · Beate Meinl-Reisinger · Ignazio Cassis

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