Through its embassy in Niger, the United States welcomed the release of the American hostage, Jeffery Woodke, kidnapped in 2016, in Abalak, in the Tahoua region. At the same time, the USA expressed its gratitude to all its partners who helped in obtaining this release.
« We express our deep gratitude and appreciation to our partners in Niger and other countries who helped secure the release of the hostage. US officials are in contact with him, and are providing him with all appropriate assistance. “Said a press release from the United States Embassy in Niger, published on March 21, 2023.
« The Biden administration has no higher priority than bringing home U.S. nationals held hostage or wrongfully detained, and we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure their freedom around the world. “, assures the press release.
After more than six years of captivity, the humanitarian Jeffery Woodke was released on March 20, 2023 with the French journalist Olivier Dubois who was kidnapped in April 2021 in Gao, Mali.
« We are grateful to the Government of Niger for their extraordinary cooperation, as well as to countless organizations and individuals around the world whose efforts resulted in the release of Mr. Woodke. “, declared, on March 20, the Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken who is delighted, according to the same press release.
The release of Jeffery Woodke is a relief for the United States and for Niger where he had lived for more than twenty years before his kidnapping.
Ahmadou Atafa
