Austrian Development Worker Abducted in Niger, Authorities Investigate

Wed Apr 02 2025 05:02:13 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)
Austrian Development Worker Abducted in Niger, Authorities Investigate

An Austrian woman has been kidnapped by unknown assailants in Niger, sparking an investigation by local and international authorities.


Austrian foreign ministry has confirmed the kidnapping of an elderly female citizen in Agadez, Niger, a region currently experiencing significant unrest due to an ongoing Islamist insurgency. Eva Gretzmacher, a development worker in her mid-70s who has lived in Niger for over two decades, was reportedly taken against her will by armed individuals in the Fada district. Unverified reports suggest the assailants showed up at her residence brandishing firearms, specifically targeting her without taking any valuables. The Austrian government is cooperating with the EU delegation, attempting to gain more information and ensure Ms. Gretzmacher's safe return.

Niger, which has been under military rule since a coup in July 2023, has been trying to address increasing militant attacks. This recent incident underscores the prevailing security challenges in the country, particularly in the face of pressures on the military junta following deteriorating safety conditions and its military alliances in the region aimed at combating Islamist extremism. The situation raises concerns about the safety of foreign nationals in Niger, especially those involved in humanitarian and developmental projects.

The abduction highlights the complex interplay of local, regional, and international politics, particularly as Niger navigates its place in the broader context of security cooperation and the influence of external powers in West Africa.

MORE ON THEME

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 19:37:14 GMT

Mandalay's Tragedy: Death and Despair Follow Devastating Earthquake

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 19:37:14 GMT
Tue, 01 Apr 2025 11:26:03 GMT

Mandalay's Tragic Transformation: From 'City of Gold' to Destruction

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 11:26:03 GMT
Mon, 31 Mar 2025 14:03:00 GMT

Stranded by a Quake: Myanmar's Diaspora Confronts Feelings of Helplessness

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 14:03:00 GMT
Sun, 30 Mar 2025 21:07:42 GMT

Devastating Earthquake Strikes Myanmar Amid Ongoing Conflict

Sun, 30 Mar 2025 21:07:42 GMT
Sun, 30 Mar 2025 18:23:46 GMT

Rescue Efforts Intensify as Myanmar Earthquake Aftermath Unfolds

Sun, 30 Mar 2025 18:23:46 GMT
Sun, 30 Mar 2025 04:17:44 GMT

Afghan Students in Qatar Face Uncertain Future Amid U.S. Aid Cuts

Sun, 30 Mar 2025 04:17:44 GMT
Sun, 30 Mar 2025 01:41:19 GMT

British Boarding Schools Set Their Sights on Nigeria: A Shift in Education Dynamics

Sun, 30 Mar 2025 01:41:19 GMT
Sat, 29 Mar 2025 19:26:00 GMT

Myanmar Earthquake Casualties Exceed 1,600 as Search Efforts Lag Behind

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 19:26:00 GMT
Sat, 29 Mar 2025 18:53:24 GMT

Myanmar Earthquake Death Toll Exceeds 1,600 as Rescue Operations Continue

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 18:53:24 GMT
Sat, 29 Mar 2025 08:11:46 GMT

**Title**

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 08:11:46 GMT
Fri, 28 Mar 2025 11:15:06 GMT

Myanmar’s Internet Censorship Obscures Impact of Recent Earthquake

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 11:15:06 GMT
Fri, 28 Mar 2025 02:30:00 GMT

Trump's Executive Order Aims to Censor 'Anti-American Ideology' in Smithsonian Museums

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 02:30:00 GMT
Wed, 26 Mar 2025 21:41:32 GMT

**Niger's Military Leader Takes Presidential Oath Amid Controversy**

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 21:41:32 GMT
Mon, 24 Mar 2025 21:33:56 GMT

UNAids Chief Warns US Funding Cuts May Lead to Catastrophic Rise in HIV Cases and Deaths

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 21:33:56 GMT
Mon, 24 Mar 2025 08:54:25 GMT

Pope Francis Leaves Hospital After Health Scare

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 08:54:25 GMT
Wed, 19 Mar 2025 09:08:08 GMT

**Growing Speculations Surround Pope Francis' Health Amidst Misinformation**

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 09:08:08 GMT
Sun, 16 Mar 2025 00:57:00 GMT

"A Twist of Fate: How a Ghanaian Education Changed My Life"

Sun, 16 Mar 2025 00:57:00 GMT
Sat, 15 Mar 2025 19:58:36 GMT

Senior Islamic State Leader Killed in US-Iraqi Operation

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 19:58:36 GMT
Fri, 14 Mar 2025 09:12:18 GMT

### Pope Francis: A Call for Solidarity Through Prayer Amid Health Concerns

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 09:12:18 GMT
Wed, 12 Mar 2025 10:10:00 GMT

**Gerald Stratford's Journey: From Giant Vegetables to Internet Stardom**

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 10:10:00 GMT

Follow us

© 2024 SwissX REDD UK ltd. All Rights Reserved.