A French journalist kidnapped nearly two years ago by ‘Islamic-militants’ in Mali and a US aid worker held by them for six years in Niger arrived in the Niger capital Niamey on Monday after being released, reports AFP.
French freelancer Olivier Dubois and American aid worker Jeffery Woodke emerged from a plane that landed at Niamey, the Niger capital.
Dubois, 48, had been kidnapped in Mali in April 2021 while Woodke went missing in Niger in October 2016.
"I feel tired, but I'm fine," said Dubois, smiling but visibly overwhelmed.
Sources familiar with the matter said Dubois was expected back in Paris on Tuesday.
"It's amazing for me to be here, to be free," he said, speaking to a small group of journalists.
"I want to pay tribute to Niger for its skills in this delicate mission and pay tribute to France, to all those who have helped me to be here today."
Woodke, leaning on a stick, and with white hair, was at his side.
He thanked the "Nigerien, American and French governments," adding: "Vive la France."
He was seized at gunpoint from his home in Abalak in the Tahoua region of southwestern Niger, about 350 kilometres (220 miles) from Niamey.
The 61-year-old had served as a missionary and humanitarian aid worker in Niger for 32 years, according to a supporters' website.
French President Emmanuel Macron, in a statement released after he had spoken to Dubois, expressed his "huge relief" and said the journalist would soon be back in France.
US President Joe Biden welcomed the freeing of Woodke and thanked the government of Niger, calling it "a critical partner in helping to secure his release."
Details about why or how the pair were released were not given.
Niger Interior Minister Hamadou Souley, who was at Niamey airport, said "the hostages were picked up safe and sound by the Nigerien authorities before being handed over to the French and American authorities."
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
