Bern, Press releases, 24.04.2012

A Swiss woman kidnapped on 15 April in Timbuktu, Mali, has been freed. The woman was released into the custody of a representative of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) by the group holding her. She has been transferred to a safe place, and is reported to be in good health considering the circumstances.

The FDFA would like to thank all who have contributed to the release of this Swiss citizen, beginning with the authorities of Mali and Burkina Faso. The head of the FDFA, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, expressed relief on learning the good news. In view of the need to protect the privacy of the person concerned, no further details can be given.

As soon as the capture of the Swiss citizen was announced, the Crisis Management Centre (KMZ) of the FDFA in Bern immediately went into action in collaboration with the Confederation’s intelligence services, the Federal Office of Police (fedpol) and the cantonal authorities concerned to ensure that she would be released unharmed. The FDFA has been in constant contact with the woman’s family. The Swiss representation in Mali and the Ambassador in Dakar, Senegal, who has responsibility for Mali, were also in regular contact with the authorities and local partners.

The FDFA issued a warning on 1 December 2009 advising Swiss citizens against travelling to Mali due to the high risk of kidnapping. Furthermore, on 30 March 2012, following a deterioration in the security situation subsequent to a military coup d’état and advances being made by armed groups in the North, the Department recommended that Swiss citizens resident in Mali leave the country temporarily.

The FDFA has made it clear that Swiss citizens travelling abroad do so at their own risk. In this context it recommends consulting and following the advice to prospective travellers published on the Department’s website. These recommendations, which are constantly updated, concern a total of 157 countries. The aim is to ensure that Swiss citizens are kept informed on the situation in their intended destination and are aware of any security measures they need to adopt. This advice to travellers can be consulted at any time on the FDFA website, by calling the FDFA Helpline (0800.24.7.365) or by subscribing to Twitter (travel_edadfae).


Further information:

Advices to travellers (de)


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