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WEKU
WEKU
Juliana Kim

U.S. aid worker and French journalist freed after years in captivity in West Africa

Jeffery Woodke Olivier Dubois Antony Blinken Africa Niger kidnapped Els
French journalist Olivier Dubois left, and Jeffery Woodke, right, are seen as they arrive at the Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey on Monday. (Souleymane AG Anara/AFP via Getty Images)

Jeff Woodke, an American aid worker who was held hostage by militants in Niger for more than six years, has been released, along with French journalist Olivier Dubois, who was kidnapped by militants in 2021 in neighboring Mali.

Woodke and Dubois appeared together before reporters in Niger's capital Niamey on Monday. Niger Interior Minister Hamadou Souley said their release came after "several months of efforts" by Nigerien authorities, the BBC reported.

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