On June 8, 2020, two Italian aid workers, Silvia Romano and Pierluigi Maccalli, who were held captive by an Islamist militant group for over a year, were released and returned to Italy.
Silvia Romano, 25, was working for a charity in Kenya when she was abducted in November 2018. Pierluigi Maccalli, 59, was a missionary priest who was taken by armed men from his home in Niger in September 2018. The exact reasons for their abductions are not clear, but it is believed to be for ransom or political motives.
The Italian government has not provided details on the exact circumstances of the release, but it is believed that negotiations were involved. Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte thanked the intelligence and security forces for their efforts in securing the release of the hostages.
There is no official confirmation of any conditions being attached to the release of the Italian hostages. However, there are reports that a ransom may have been paid to secure their release.
Both Silvia Romano and Pierluigi Maccalli are currently in good health and have been reunited with their families. They are receiving medical and psychological care to help them recover from their traumatic experience. The Italian government has also promised to provide them with any necessary support and assistance.