Austrian Citizen Abducted in Niger Amid Rising Security Concerns

Authorities confirm that Eva Gretzmacher, in her 70s and a resident of Niger for over 20 years, was abducted by armed assailants in Agadez.

Niger's military government faces scrutiny over escalating Islamist violence and its inability to protect foreign nationals as security risks in the region grow. The incident occurred in Fada district, where the assailants forced their way into Ms. Gretzmacher's home and took her away in a vehicle. The Austrian Foreign Ministry is coordinating with local officials and the EU mission regarding the situation. Niger, battling an Islamist insurgency, has seen increasing instability since the military coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023. Furthermore, the junta has been pressing Western powers to withdraw their military forces while forming alliances with neighboring countries also plagued by similar challenges.