Austrian and Swiss women freed after year-long captivity in Niger

The Austrian national, identified by Austrian authorities as Eva G., was kidnapped in January 2025 in the desert town of Agadez in central Niger. The Swiss national, named by media as Claudia Abbt, was abducted in April 2025. It has not been disclosed which group was holding them or what demands were made.

In a video released by Libya's al-Masar TV, the women appeared physically weakened. Eva G. said she had been held for a year and nine months. Abbt said she was "happy to be free" and, along with Eva G., thanked Khalifa Haftar and his son Saddam for their release.

The liberation highlights the complex security dynamics of the region. Libya and Niger share a long border through the Sahara Desert. Libya has been divided since the 2011 uprising, with a UN-recognized government in Tripoli and a rival administration in the east backed by Haftar. DW has not independently verified the video depicting the release.

Analysis

Why This Matters

The release concludes a prolonged hostage ordeal for two European citizens, highlighting the persistent security risks in the Sahel region for travellers and expatriates.
It underscores Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar's role as a key power broker in cross-border security and hostage negotiations, reinforcing his political influence.
The incident draws attention to the lawless borderlands between Niger and Libya, areas vulnerable to militant and criminal activity.

Background

The Sahel region, including Niger, has experienced a surge in militant activity and political instability, particularly following a coup in Niger in 2023. The vast, ungoverned spaces make it a hotspot for kidnappings. Libya has remained fractured since the fall of Moammar Gaddafi in 2011, with powerful militias and rival governments competing for control.

Key Perspectives

The Freed Women: Their public statements convey relief and gratitude towards their liberators, specifically the Haftar faction, for securing their freedom.

Khalifa Haftar: By personally overseeing the operation, Haftar presents himself as a stabilising force capable of resolving international crises, potentially bolstering his diplomatic standing.

Regional Governments: The inability of the Nigerien state to secure the release of foreign nationals within its territory over such a long period, forcing reliance on Libyan actors, is a stark illustration of the country's current security limitations.

What to Watch

Any official statement from the women's home governments of Austria and Switzerland regarding the circumstances of the release.
Whether the identity of the kidnappers and any demands made are eventually revealed.
The impact of this operation on international engagement with Haftar's administration in eastern Libya.

Checked

12 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 7 supported.

Show each claim

SupportedAbbt said she was “happy to be free.”DW English: “Abbt said she was “happy to be free,” also thanking Haftar.”
Partly supportedThe women were freed after a year-long captivity in Niger.DW English: “Niger released two women, one Swiss and the other Austrian, after over a year of holding them captive, according to multiple reports.”
SupportedHaftar reportedly oversaw the operation that freed the women.DW English: “Haftar reportedly oversaw the operation that freed the women.”
SupportedThe women were flown to Benghazi after their release.DW English: “The two women were flown out to Libya's eastern city of Benghazi, Libyan media outlets reported on Thursday.”
Partly supportedThe Austrian woman is in her 70s and the Swiss woman is 69.DW English: “Eva G. is in her 70s, and the Swedish woman, identified by media outlets as Claudia Abbt, is 69 years old, according to reports.”
SupportedEva G. was kidnapped in Agadez, central Niger, in January 2025.DW English: “Eva G. was kidnapped in the desert ⁠town of Agadez in central Niger, in January 2025.”
SupportedAbbt was abducted in April 2025.DW English: “Abbt was abducted in April 2025.”
Partly supportedIt has not been disclosed which group held the women or what demands were made.DW English: “It was not immediately clear which group was holding them and what demands it had made.”
SupportedEva G. said she had been held for a year and nine months.DW English: ““I had been held hostage for a year and nine months,” Eva G. said”
SupportedBoth women thanked Haftar and his son Saddam for their release.DW English: “Both women thanked the deputy commander-in-chief of Libya's armed forces, Khalifa Haftar, and his son, Saddam, for their release.”
Partly supportedLibya has been divided since the 2011 uprising, with a UN-recognized government in Tripoli and a rival administration in the east backed by Haftar.DW English: “At the moment, two governments are vying for power there: a UN-recognized administration led by Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah and its rival in the east, backed by Haftar.”
Partly supportedDW has not independently verified a video depicting the release.DW English: “DW has not yet independently verified the video released by the Libyan news channel that shows the two women, now freed, speaking to camera.”