After the mysterious disappearance of four Moroccan drivers between Burkina Faso and Niger, the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs activates a crisis cell with the concerned countries.

ALDAR/

The border area between Burkina Faso and Niger witnessed a mysterious incident on the morning of Saturday, January 18, 2025. Four Moroccan drivers, aboard three trucks, lost contact while traveling on the road linking the city of Dori in Burkina Faso to the city of Téra in Niger. The incident occurred in a region known to be a hotspot for terrorist activities and armed groups that frequently target truck convoys and transport operators.

The Moroccan authorities, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its embassies in both Burkina Faso and Niger, quickly activated a crisis cell to coordinate with local authorities to locate the missing drivers. However, the area where the incident took place is experiencing a dire security situation. It has recently been the scene of deadly terrorist attacks, the latest of which occurred on January 11, when an armed ambush targeted a military convoy, killing 18 soldiers and several civilians.

The Moroccan drivers took this route without military escort or sufficient security measures, raising questions about the risks they faced in crossing this area, which is considered one of the most dangerous border regions in West Africa. The worsening security situation in this region is exacerbated by the activities of terrorist organizations, such as the “Islamic State in the Greater Sahara,” which exploit the fragile conditions to carry out their attacks.

The border area between Burkina Faso and Niger has been experiencing an ongoing escalation of violence. In recent months, several deadly attacks have claimed the lives of dozens and forced thousands to flee. Among the most notable recent events were an attack on a truck convoy in Téra, which killed 21 civilians, and another attack in the village of Essakani, where 15 people were killed while praying.

This incident once again highlights the importance of adhering to security procedures by transporters and operators, especially in areas classified as high-risk. Neglecting safety measures puts lives at risk, particularly given the increasing threats in the region.

The search for the Moroccan drivers is still ongoing, and hopes rest on coordinated efforts between Morocco and the concerned countries to ensure their safe return.