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ABUJA, June 6 (Alliance News): At least 50 people have died of thirst after their vehicle broke down in the Sahara Desert in Niger, highlighting the dangers faced by travelers and migrants crossing one of the world’s harshest environments.
According to local authorities, the victims were returning from neighboring Mali after attending Eid-ul-Adha celebrations when their vehicle became stranded approximately 80 kilometers west of Assamaka, a key border crossing between Niger and Algeria.
The Governor of Agadez said the passengers were trapped in an extremely hostile desert environment characterized by intense heat, scarce resources and a lack of access to assistance. Their water supplies eventually ran out, leaving them unable to survive the harsh conditions.
Only two people managed to survive the ordeal. After making a difficult journey across the desert, they reached Assamaka and alerted authorities, triggering a rescue operation.
According to officials, the vehicle had departed from the Malian town of Talhandak but lost its route in the vast desert. The driver and passengers reportedly spent several days attempting to repair the vehicle, but their efforts were unsuccessful.
Authorities said dozens of bodies were later discovered beneath and around the disabled truck. The victims, all believed to be Nigerien nationals, were buried in mass graves by emergency teams dispatched to the area.
Chehou Azizou, head of a local non-governmental organization, said such tragedies underscore the dangers of desert crossings. He noted that awareness campaigns have long been conducted to educate drivers, travelers and migrants about the life-threatening risks associated with routes leading toward Libya and Algeria.
During their return journey, rescuers encountered another stranded vehicle carrying more than 60 passengers. The group had reportedly been trapped in the desert for three days after the vehicle’s battery failed. Rescue teams, including members of the Nigerien military, distributed water, assisted with repairs and helped the passengers continue their journey safely.
The Sahara Desert remains a major transit route for migrants and travelers from across West Africa seeking opportunities in North Africa and Europe, despite the severe risks posed by extreme temperatures, isolation and limited access to emergency assistance.
Officials said the tragedy highlights the vulnerability of people undertaking dangerous cross-border journeys in search of economic opportunities and a better future.
