Along with French journalist Olivier Dubois, American aid worker Jeffery Woodke was also released. He had been kidnapped six years ago.
With our correspondent in Washington, Guillaume Naudin.
Jeffery Woodke was abducted more than six years ago from his home in Abalak, Niger. This Christian humanitarian worker had lived for years in the country where he came to the aid of nomadic populations.
A senior administration official explains that military and intelligence resources have been used to find him over the years. He does not specify by which group Jeffery Woodke was detained and he insists that there was no direct negotiation with the hostage takers, nor the payment of any ransom.
The administration and in particular the national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, who announced the release, thank the government of Niger very emphatically.
I’m gratified & relieved to see the release of US hostage Jeff Woodke after over 6 years in captivity. The US 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 only a few days ago, for the visit of the highest American official to ever visit the country. He had announced humanitarian aid of some 150 million additional dollars for the region.
Niger is presented as an essential partner of the United States in the Sahel. At the last United States – Africa summit, in December, in Washington, President Mohamed Bazoum played a remarkable role. He had participated, alongside Antony Blinken and the American Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, in a forum, precisely on the issues of peace, security and governance.
Read also: French journalist Olivier Dubois released after almost two years of captivity in Mali