Austrian development assistant kidnapped in Niger - world in concern!

Austrian development assistant kidnapped in Niger - world in concern!

In Niger in West Africa, a dramatic kidnapping has happened: A 73-year-old Austrian development assistant was dragged into an off-road vehicle on Saturday in the city of Agadez, a focal point in the desert region. The Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the incident and is now working with the EU and regional authorities to clarify the circumstances of the kidnapping, as reported. There is currently no information about the exact background or demands of the kidnappers.

measures of the authorities

The authorities in Niger are under pressure to quickly find the perpetrators and to ensure security. Security forces have already started the investigation and the Austrian embassy in Algeria is actively involved in the Enlightenment. The escaped development assistant has worked in various aid projects for over 30 years, the aim of which was to improve the living conditions of the people in the region. Their kidnapping illustrates the dangers to which humanitarian helpers are exposed to in this conflict-loaded zone, reported 5min.at .

The security situation in the Niger, similar to the neighboring countries Mali and Burkina Faso, is extremely tense. Militant groups that have connections to al-Qaida and the Islamic state terrorize the region and have demanded thousands of fatalities in the past ten years. In view of these circumstances, this incident again shows how risky work for development workers in the Sahelzone is.