Foreign kidnappings have significantly increased in Africa's Sahel region, with al-Qaeda affiliate Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) being the primary culprit. Acled data shows a notable rise in abductions of foreigners in Mali and Niger in 2025.
Christoph Greztmacher
Bosnian tourist Marin Petrović was abducted by JNIM militants while traveling to Mopti, Mali, describing his harrowing experience of being held for over a month. His ordeal highlights the growing insecurity and new jihadist tactics employed by groups like JNIM.
Chinese workers represent approximately 70% of foreign abductions across the continent, with JNIM using these kidnappings to generate ransoms and exert pressure on regional governments. The group targets foreign nationals to gain leverage and disrupt economic activity, particularly in resource-rich areas like Mali's gold mines.
While Petrović was released, other foreigners, like Austrian national Eva Gretzmacher, remain in captivity, raising concerns about their well-being. JNIM's strategy appears to be an "economic warfare" aimed at making foreign investment in the region too costly and dangerous, potentially influencing international relations and the Malian government's stability.