Swiss national Claudia Abbt and Austrian national Eva Gretzmacher, who had been kidnapped in Niger, have been released following an intervention by Libyan officials.
The former is currently en route to Switzerland.
On Thursday, October 22, the Swiss and Austrian governments confirmed the release of their respective citizens who had been abducted in Niger.
Claudia Abbt, 69, and Eva Gretzmacher, 76, were taken into the care of their respective national authorities following their transfer to Libya.
Claudia Abbt, who was kidnapped on April 13, 2025, in Agadez, northern Niger, was met in Benghazi by Swiss personnel. The Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs stated that she had received medical attention and was doing well, given the circumstances. She is now on her way to Switzerland.
Austrian national Eva Gretzmacher has regained her freedom after more than 21 months in captivity.
The Austrian Foreign Minister expressed her relief, while both governments extended their thanks to the international partners who contributed to the releases.
According to the Libyan news outlet Al-Masar, the operation was facilitated by the intervention of Lieutenant General Saddam Khalifa Haftar, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan National Army.
He reportedly intervened at the request of the hostages’ families.
A video broadcast by the outlet on Wednesday evening shows the two women – visibly shaken – seated beneath a portrait of Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar. In the footage, they speak in French to thank those who secured their release.
The kidnappings, which took place in Agadez, were never claimed by any group.
The identities of the abductors and the precise circumstances of the captivity remain unknown. Swiss and Austrian authorities have not disclosed details regarding the terms or conditions of the
release.
This outcome brings an end to a long ordeal for the two women and their families, but leaves unresolved questions regarding the safety of foreign nationals in northern Niger and the role of Libyan actors in the negotiations.
MK/AK/fss/as/APA