Austrian missing in Niger: hope for rescue from IS hands!

Austrian missing in Niger: hope for rescue from IS hands!

Agadez, Niger - The kidnapping of two women in Niger is currently causing great concern. Eva G., a 74-year-old Austrian, was kidnapped from her house in Agadez on January 11th. According to a report by OE24 , several men forced them into an off-road vehicle under the threat of violence. Since then she has disappeared, but there is indications that she is in the hands of the Islamic State of Sahel Province (ISSP).

The state bodies in Austria are in contact with a crisis team on site that pursues the case. So far, the Ministry has not published any information about possible ransom demands. Christoph G., the son of Eva, has commented on the health of his mother, who is known to act as an active bridge builder between Europe and northern Niger.

Swiss also in danger

In a parallel situation, the 67-year-old Swiss Claudia A. was kidnapped on April 13, also in Agadez. According to reports, it is also said to be in the hands of the ISSP and, according to the nigrical news portal "Aïr Info" is well. Claudia, who has lived in Africa for over 30 years and speaks several local languages, was aware of the risks and usually only moved with escorts outside the city. So far there is no sign of life of your family.

The kidnappings are in the context of an alarming security situation in the Sahel region, where groups such as the IsSP and al-Qaida are increasingly active. A report by AP News describes the increasing threat from terrorism and organized crime, which are now also on the coastal countries West Africa expanded. In addition, U.n.-emitted Leonardo Simão calls for more support for the combating of these threats, which significantly impair both security and the humanitarian situation in the region.

concern about the security situation

The military juntas in countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger try to counter the threats from extremists with new security alliances. Despite the efforts, the situation remains tense. In the first quarter of 2024 there was an increase in conflict -related deaths to 361, a worrying increase compared to the 250 in the previous year. These statistical surveys illustrate the escalating violence and the need for a robust response to the terrorist activities in the region.

The families of Eva G. and Claudia A. Live in the hope of an early end of the involuntary captivity of their relatives, while the international community traps the developments carefully and the humanitarian situation in the region remains worrying.