Austrian woman kidnapped by gunmen in Niger

According to local residents and the Austrian Foreign Ministry today, an Austrian woman was kidnapped by militants in Agadez, Niger. This is the first known instance of a European citizen being kidnapped in the conflict-ridden West African nation since the military junta came to power in 2023.

The Austrian Foreign Ministry stated that the Austrian embassy in Algeria, which is responsible for Niger, has been informed of the kidnapping of an Austrian woman in Agadez and is in contact with local regional authorities. Residents and local media identified the victim as Eva Greilzmaier, and reported that she is an aid worker who has lived in Agadez, hundreds of kilometers from the capital Niamey, for over 20 years.

Local media outlet Air Info Agadez reported that "[she] is known for her social commitment and created a skills center in 2010, which has launched numerous projects, particularly in the areas of education, women's empowerment, ecology, culture and the arts." Local media also stated that Greilzmaier has also supported educational projects through her development work and provided assistance to local NGOs in various fields.

No organization has yet claimed responsibility for the kidnapping, and Nigerien authorities have not immediately commented on the incident. Niger has been battling a jihadist insurgency linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State for years. Analysts say the security crisis has worsened since the military overthrew the country's government in July 2023.

Despite the junta's promises to restore peace in hotspots, there are growing doubts about its ability to improve security in Niger as attacks have increased. Niger was once considered one of the last few democracies in Africa's Sahel region that Western countries could partner with to push back against the jihadist insurgency in the vast area south of the Sahara. However, the country has severed decades-long military ties with Western nations, turning to Russia as its new security partner.