Hostages in the Sahel: American Jeffery Woodke freed alongside journalist Olivier Dubois

French journalist Olivier Dubois (L) and American Jeffery Woodke (R), released after his abduction in October 2016 in Niger, upon their arrival at Niamey airport on March 20, 2023. © AFP/Souleymane Ag Anara

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Along with French journalist Olivier Dubois, American aid worker Jeffery Woodke was also released. He was kidnapped six years ago.

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With our correspondent in Washington, Guillaume Naudin.

Jeffery Woodke was abducted more than six years ago from his home in Abalak, Niger. This Christian aid worker had been living for years in the country where he helped nomadic populations.

A senior administration official says military and intelligence assets have been committed to finding him over the years. He did not specify by which group Jeffery Woodke was being held, and he insisted that there had been no direct negotiations with the hostage-takers, nor was any ransom paid.

The administration, and in particular the National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, who announced the release, warmly thanks the government of Niger.

I'm gratified & relieved to see the release of U.S. hostage Jeff Woodke after over 6 years in captivity. The U.S. thanks Niger for its help in bringing him home to all who miss & love him. I thank so many across our government who've worked tirelessly toward securing his freedom.

— Jake Sullivan (@JakeSullivan46) March 20, 2023

Secretary of State Antony Blinken was there just a few days ago for the visit of the highest-ranking U.S. official to ever visit the country. He announced some $150 million in additional humanitarian aid for the region.

Niger is presented as a key partner of the United States in the Sahel. At the last US-Africa summit, in December, in Washington, President Mohamed Bazoum played a remarkable role. He had participated, alongside Antony Blinken and the US Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, in a forum, precisely on issues of peace, security and governance.

" READ ALSO – French journalist Olivier Dubois released after almost two years of captivity in Mali

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Read on on the same topics:

• Mali
• France
• Niger
• United States