Longtime Resident Abducted as Regional Tensions Rise
In the city of Agadez, Niger, a Swiss woman in her 60s and a longtime resident was kidnapped on Sunday night. This follows a similar incident three months ago involving an Austrian woman. Agadez, once a hub for regional trade, has seen a decline in tourism due to increased insecurity. The Swiss foreign ministry confirmed the abduction and is in contact with local authorities.
The governor of Agadez, General Ibra Boulama Issa, convened an emergency meeting to address the situation. In recent times, Niger, governed by a military junta since a 2023 coup, has been plagued by instability and frequent attacks from jihadist groups. The country’s military leadership has distanced itself from France and the US, fostering closer ties with Russia.
The kidnapped Swiss woman, originally from Lebanon, had settled in Agadez after living in Algeria. She was deeply involved in the local community, founding an association to assist craftsmen. Reports describe her as a warm and friendly individual dedicated to humanitarian efforts. Her abduction underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Niger in terms of security and political stability.
Source: ModernGhana