Viennese son fights for mother: hostage in the Niger - what is behind it?

Viennese son fights for mother: hostage in the Niger - what is behind it?

Christoph Gretzmacher, the son of a 73-year-old Viennese, hopes for the soon return of his mother, Eva G., who has been in Niger since April 21, 2025. Despite the difficult situation, he has no direct contact with the kidnappers and expresses the assumption that the same perpetrators could also be responsible for the kidnapping of a 67-year-old Swiss woman. Gretzmacher, who lived in the nigrical city of Agadez, has a far -reaching network on site and is concerned about developments in the region. He believes that Switzerland can put political pressure on local and regional actors through its active role to advance the case.

Current reports show that Eva G. should go well while the kidnapping continues to attract international attention. Critics point out that the latest developments in the Sahel zone, where the kidnappers operate, are characterized by a persistent wave of kidnapping European citizens. Since the beginning of 2023, there have been several incidents, including the kidnapping of Eva Gretzmacher on January 11th in Niger, where armed men brought them out of their house and disappeared into unknown directions. These incidents throw a light on the dangerous security situation in the region, which is currently shaped by military unrest and the influence of extremist groups.

security situation in the Sahelzone

The security policy situation in the Sahel region has intensified in recent years. Military coups in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, combined with the influence of violent extremists, are a great threat to the local population. In this context, the governments of several countries, including the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, warn of a high risk of attacks and kidnappings in the region. One reason for this could be the restructuring of terrorist organizations such as the Islamic State of Sahel (ISSP), which are increasingly handling control over kidnapping to local gangs.

The number of kidnappers from foreigners in 2025 has increased unprecedented. Observers mention that the kidnappings coordinated by the ISSP have increased and the group has networked with other armed organizations. Reports about the difficulties that the nigrical security forces have with the fight against these threats show that the armed resistance in the region increases and the possibilities of the government to address the challenges are severely restricted.

• The Sahel zone includes countries such as Mali, Niger, Chad and Burkina Faso, which are among the poorest countries in the world.
• The region suffers from extreme challenges, including poverty, food crises and high population, increase the risks of migration and crimes.
• 41 million people in this region face hopelessness, which favors recruitment by extremist organizations.

An expert has recently confirmed that an increase in the kidnapping of foreign nationals takes place in the Sahel zone. The Islamist terrorist militia JNIM has denied participation in the kidnapping of Eva G., but the situation remains extremely tense. While the governments of the affected countries and international actors are looking for solutions, they also have to face the fact that jihadists try to expand their activities in neighboring countries and establish new corridors for their operations.

Overall, the situation in the Sahel zone and the risk of kidnapping is a steady topic that requires special attention in view of the intensifying political and security policy situation. The return of Eva G. and other kidnapped people remains a central concern for families and governments in Europe.