Abduction of a Swiss National in Agadez
Emergency Meeting Held by Nigerien Authorities
On Monday, 14 April 2025, the Governor of the Agadez region, Mr. Ibra Boulama Issa, chaired an extraordinary session of the Regional Security Council (RSC) following the abduction of Mrs. Claudia Abbt, a 67-year-old Swiss national married to a Nigerien citizen. The incident occurred during the night of 13 to 14 April at her residence in the Dagamanet 2 district of Agadez.
Mrs. Abbt, who had been residing in the region for several years, had previously lived in Algeria, where she worked in the tourism sector before settling in Niger. Deeply involved in the local social and cultural life, she founded an organization dedicated to supporting artisans and promoting local arts. She also co-managed a travel agency based in Tamanrasset, Algeria.
The meeting of the RSC aimed to assess the current security situation, analyze the circumstances surrounding the abduction, and coordinate appropriate response measures, according to a statement from the Agadez Governorate. As of now, no group has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping.
The Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) stated via the social media platform X that the Swiss Embassy in Niamey is in close contact with local authorities and that clarification efforts are ongoing.
This incident comes three months after the abduction of Ms. Eva Gretzmacher, an Austrian national, who was kidnapped in similar conditions in Agadez on 11 January 2025. The recurrence of such events raises serious concerns regarding the safety of foreign nationals engaged in social and cultural initiatives in the region.
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A Fragile Ceasefire in Eastern DRC
Amid ongoing violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), two nearly identical statements released on April 23, 2025, announced an immediate ceasefire. One was signed in Goma by a member of the rebel group AFC/M23—someone not even officially part of the delegation—and the other was issued by the Congolese government in Kinshasa.
Ituri Under Surveillance
Rising Security Concerns The political fragmentation in eastern DRC continues to threaten the fragile stability of Ituri. The failure of the Doha process and the breakdown of the republican pact could pave the way for a new wave of unrest in the region. On April 22, 2025, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, met with leaders of the Lendu militia CODECO (Cooperative for the Development of the Congo) in Entebbe. Officially, the meeting was convened to address CODECO’s attack on Ugandan military positions in Ituri, a confrontation that adds to past clashes between the group and the Ugandan People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). Key Figures and Discussions The CODECO delegation, led by Dunji Kulukpa Etienne (Vice President of the Lendu community), included political and militant representatives. On the Ugandan side, top-ranking officials participated: • General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, CDF • Lieutenant General Kayanja Muhanga, Land Forces Commander • Major General Felix Busizoori, Commander of the 4th Infantry Division • Brigadier General Oscar Munanura, Deputy Assistant Chief of Intelligence and Security Earlier in the week, CODECO leaders had already engaged with Ugandan military commanders. During the Entebbe meeting, Mr. Dunji expressed gratitude for Uganda’s reception and apologized for the Fataki clashes between CODECO and the UPDF. He claimed the militia had been influenced by external forces and emphasized that the Lendu, Balega, and Bahema communities do not view Uganda as an adversary. Dunji also highlighted Ituri’s worsening humanitarian crisis, attributing it to political divisions, while praising Uganda’s contributions in healthcare, refugee assistance, and economic aid. Uganda’s Expanding Influence in Ituri General Kainerugaba reaffirmed Uganda’s historical presence in North Kivu and Ituri, citing counter-insurgency operations dating back to the early 2000s. He urged CODECO leaders to collaborate with the UPDF in pursuit of a lasting peace. As a demonstration of goodwill, Ugandan forces provided free medical care to wounded CODECO fighters. Strategic Implications: A Larger Agenda? While Uganda frames this meeting as a step toward reconciliation, analysts at African Security Analysis suggest a deeper motive. They argue that the gathering was part of a broader effort to integrate CODECO into the militant coalition led by Thomas Lubanga, potentially setting the stage for coordinated offensives in Ituri, particularly targeting Bunia. If confirmed, this would signal a significant shift in the security landscape, with Uganda deepening its influence in Ituri under the guise of conflict resolution. The region remains under scrutiny as stakeholders assess the evolving dynamics.
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