Austrian development worker kidnapped in Niger

The Austrian foreign ministry has confirmed the possible kidnapping of Eva Gretzmacher, a female Austrian citizen, in Niger’s Agadez region.

The incident reportedly occurred in the Fada district, situated near the Sahara Desert and 900 kilometers from Niger’s capital, Niamey.

According to local media outlet Air Info Agadez, unidentified assailants armed with guns forced their way into Ms. Gretzmacher’s home.

Witnesses say she was forced into a 4×4 vehicle and driven away, though no other items were taken during the attack.

Ms. Gretzmacher, a development worker in her mid-70s, has resided in Niger for over 20 years. She has been involved in numerous initiatives focusing on education, health, women’s empowerment, and cultural development.

The Austrian foreign ministry has stated it is working closely with the European Union delegation and local authorities to address the situation. However, Niger’s government has yet to release an official statement.

Niger, a country plagued by insurgency, has faced criticism for its inability to stem militant attacks. This ongoing insecurity was cited as a reason for the military junta’s overthrow of President Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023.

The country, along with Mali and Burkina Faso, continues to battle insurgents linked to al-Qaeda and ISIS. In the wake of the coup, Niger has called for the withdrawal of French and other Western military forces, aligning itself with junta-led neighbors to form a regional security coalition.