‘Violent Death’: Swiss Tourist Murdered in Algeria, No Response Yet from Local Authorities

Doha – A Swiss tourist was brutally killed on October 11 while sitting at a cafe in the southern Algerian town of Djanet, a popular desert tourism destination. The woman, whose identity has not been released, was attacked with a knife and had her throat slit by an assailant. She was rushed to a local hospital, but later died from her severe injuries.

According to local Algerian media reports, two suspects were arrested following the attack. They have been identified as men from northern Algeria who had arrived in Djanet about six months ago and were dressed in the style of Tuareg nomads. One of the men was reportedly detained by locals at the scene.

The murder occurred on the terrace of the Cafe Skaner in central Djanet, next to the local tourism office. The victim was part of a group of five Swiss tourists visiting the area. The other four members of her group have since been evacuated back to Switzerland with assistance from the Swiss Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In a brief statement, the Swiss ministry confirmed it was aware of the “violent death of a Swiss citizen on October 11 in the south-east of Algeria.” No further details were provided out of respect for the victim’s privacy.

Algerian authorities have not yet issued any public comments on the killing. A source familiar with the situation told the French newspaper Liberation that “for the moment, it is completely hushed up. Nothing is coming out, even on social networks. On the ground, the watchword is radio silence. Everyone is complying.”

The murder could deal a significant blow to Algeria’s efforts to boost tourism in the Sahara desert region. Djanet, near the Tassili n’Ajjer National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, only opened to tourism in 2022 after years of being off-limits due to security concerns. The town has since become a popular destination, attracting thousands of domestic and foreign visitors with direct flights from Paris.

According to government figures, Algeria welcomed 3.3 million tourists in 2023, including 2.2 million foreigners. Tourism revenue reached $1.6 billion last year as the country eased visa requirements to attract more visitors. However, the recent killing risks rekindling memories of Algeria’s violent past and raising fresh concerns about the safety of tourists.

According to the Associated Press (AP), Algeria receives fewer tourists compared to its neighbors Morocco and Tunisia, and nearly all foreign visitors are required to obtain visas. The country has also faced challenges in policing its porous borders in recent decades.

In 2003, militants kidnapped 32 European tourists visiting southern Algeria. A decade later in 2013, militants linked to al Qaeda stormed an oil refinery and held hundreds of Algerian and international workers hostage until security forces intervened, resulting in the deaths of at least 39 foreign hostages.

The AP report also notes that the fall of Libya’s Muammar Gaddafi in 2011 and Tuareg rebellions in northern Mali have compounded the region’s difficulties, leading to an increase in weapons and drug trafficking.

The Swiss tourist’s death marks the first killing of a foreigner in Algeria in several years.

An investigation into the murder is reportedly underway and security has been tightened around Djanet, including increased military checkpoints. It remains to be seen how Algerian officials will address this high-profile case and whether this will impact the country’s ambitious plans to grow its nascent tourism industry.