According to reports from the X-account SahelLeaks citing Libyan officer and politician Saddam Haftar, a 68-year-old Swiss woman kidnapped in Niger has been released after roughly a year and a half in captivity.
Kidnapping and Release Details in Agadez and Libya
The 68-year-old Swiss citizen, identified in reports as Claudia A., was abducted from her home in Agadez on April 13, 2023, by unidentified armed individuals. According to SahelLeaks and the German press agency, she was released alongside a 75-year-old Austrian woman who had been kidnapped in the same region several months prior. Austrian authorities confirmed on Friday that they had received encouraging news regarding the Austrian hostage, though that release process was not yet finalized. The German press agency reported that both women were freed via Libya.
Did you know? Agadez is located in central Niger, a region where multiple armed groups operate, including the al-Qaida affiliate Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS).
Background of the Released Swiss Hostage
Claudia A., born in the Lebanon, was not a casual tourist when the abduction occurred. According to a report by the Neue Zürcher Zeitung, she had lived on the African continent for at least 30 years and had spent 15 years residing in Niger. Born into a family that traveled through Jordan and Syria during her childhood, she developed a lifelong attachment to the desert, a sentiment she shared in past interviews.
https://x.com/SahelLeaks/status/2098145714010513532
EDA Response and Current Status
In an official statement, the department noted, "The EDA has knowledge of reports according to which the Swiss hostage kidnapped in Niger in April 2025 has been released. Corresponding clarifications are underway." The EDA added that federal authorities have worked intensively to secure her freedom since the initial abduction and will provide further details once verified information becomes available.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Claudia A. kidnapped in Niger?
According to local media and official reports, she was seized from her home in Agadez on April 13, 2023.
Has the Swiss government officially confirmed her release?
Not yet. The EDA stated that it is aware of the reports circulating via SahelLeaks and Libyan officials, but official verification is still ongoing.
Who else was reportedly released alongside the Swiss national?
Reporting from the German press agency and SahelLeaks indicates that a 75-year-old Austrian woman, abducted near Agadez a few months before the Swiss hostage, was freed at the same time.
Stay Informed
We will continue to follow this developing story. Explore our latest news section for updates as soon as the EDA issues its official confirmation.