U.S. aid worker, French journalist freed in W. Africa
An American NIAMEY, NIGER — aid worker held by Islamic extremists in West Africa for more than six years and a French journalist abducted almost two years ago were both freed Monday, authorities said.
They were brought together to Niger’s capital. U.S. officials said no ransom had been paid for aid worker Jeffery Woodke and praised Niger’s government for helping his release. The French government did not comment on how journalist Olivier Dubois’ freedom was won.
Last week, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken made a visit to Niger, where he announced $150 million in direct assistance to the Sahel region.
“I’m very pleased we are now seeing that come to fruition today,” Blinken said, thanking his team, and Niger, for their efforts. “We won’t rest until they’re all home.”
Officials in Niger unexpectedly announced Monday morning that the two men had taken a special flight to the country’s capital but provided no details. U.S. officials said that the American hostage was not freed in Niger but in the surrounding region that includes Mali, where Dubois was abducted in 2021.
Both appeared to be physically well when they met briefly with a small group of journalists in Niamey. Dubois smiled broadly as he was greeted by well-wishers, saying he was tired but otherwise fine.
“It’s amazing for me to be here, to be free,” the 48-yearold journalist said. “I didn’t expect it at all. I would like to pay tribute to Niger, and to its knowledge of these types of delicate missions. And to pay tribute to France and to all those who made it possible to be here today.”
Woodke, who was tanned, had his long grey hair in a ponytail, and used a walking stick, did not speak.
The two men were the highest-profile foreigners known to be held in the region, and their release was the largest since a French woman and two Italian men were freed together in Mali back in October 2020.
The press organization Reporters Without Borders, which had long pushed for Dubois’ release, said that “we feel joy and immense relief,” and thanked French authorities.
Els Woodke, released a statement through a family spokesman saying she had not yet spoken with her husband but had been told he was in good condition.