Kidnappings of Europeans have become frequent in Sahel countries. A few days ago, an Austrian woman was abducted in Niger, followed by the kidnapping of a Spaniard in neighboring Mali. Previously, French citizens were also abducted in the region.

• Rising Terrorist Activities in the African Sahel… “Global Report”

• Mauritania Warns: The “African Sahel” Region among the World’s Most Severe Crisis Hotspots

However, the groups responsible for these kidnappings refrain from demanding ransoms or other compensations. Although European authorities have repeatedly announced efforts to secure the release of these hostages, the motivations behind these kidnappings remain unclear.

In this context, political analyst specializing in African affairs, Djelali Kraïs, states that: “These kidnappings are neither random nor solely for ransom, especially since many countries have criminalized ransom payments, and Sahel countries firmly oppose them as well.”

• Rise in Al-Qaeda activities in the African Sahel… What factors led to this?

• “He insulted all Africans”: Macron’s Comments Spark Repercussions in Burkina Faso

Kraïs continues: “Everyone is aware of the Sahel’s situation—chronic insecurity, widespread conflicts, weak states unable to maintain security. So, why do these individuals insist on visiting such conflict zones? Especially since these are barren deserts with no tourist attractions.”

He adds: “I believe that everything happening is premeditated and designed to maintain chaos in the Sahel. This is precisely what Algeria rejected by criminalizing ransom payments and calling for their prohibition. Yet, the West ignores Algeria’s warnings, despite its deep knowledge of the region and its efforts to safeguard its security.”

• With the “African Initiative,” Russia Strengthens Its Influence in Burkina Faso

• The Growing Jihadist Violence in the Sahel

He emphasizes that “paying ransoms to terrorist groups leads to counterproductive outcomes, as it sustains their presence, strengthens their armament capacities, and deepens insecurity in the Sahel, thereby complicating the resolution of its crises.”

Kraïs calls for “enhanced security and intelligence coordination between Sahel countries and their neighbors.”

• Washington plans to establish bases for drones in African countries… Why? 

• Russia’s plans succeed in paving the way for the dissolution of the Sahel Group

Meanwhile, Nigerien political analyst Mohamed El-Hadj Ousmane believes: “The actions of armed and terrorist groups in holding European citizens aim to pressure European authorities, forcing them to pay money used to recruit more youth, manipulate them, and purchase weapons.”

He adds: “The issue lies in the fact that many European countries pay these ransoms. They must change their strategy and increase cooperation with local authorities, overcoming past tensions to secure the release of their citizens without engaging with rogue groups.”

• Mauritania fears the deterioration of Sahel Countries’ ties and the strengthening of terrorists’ grip 

• Situations Worsen in Mali… What’s Happening in the African Country? 

• A Change in ISIS and al-Qaeda Strategies in the Africain Sahel