Kidnapped American Aid Worker and French Journalist Freed After 6 Years in West Africa

American aid worker Jeffery Woodke, who was held hostage by militants in Niger for over six years, has been released, along with French journalist Olivier Dubois, who was kidnapped by militants in Mali in 2021. The release came after "several months of efforts" by Nigerien authorities. Woodke's release also comes a week after Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Niger, during which he announced $150 million in humanitarian assistance to support vulnerable populations in Niger and throughout the Sahel region.