Nigerien officials reported on 4/6 that a truck carrying a group of people, returning from a Muslim festival in Telhandek, Mali, got lost and broke down in a remote desert area. This location was over 80 kilometers west of Assamaka, the main border crossing between Niger and Algeria.

The area lacked cell phone reception and saw no passing traffic, forcing the group to find their own way out. For many days, the driver and 50 passengers attempted to repair the vehicle without success.

Eastern Sahara desert. Photo: AFP

Under the scorching desert sun, their water reserves dwindled. Group members began to collapse one by one, while the two strongest decided to walk over 50 kilometers to a nearby water source. From there, they continued to Assamaka to alert regional authorities.

By the time rescue teams received the report and arrived, it was too late. They discovered 49 bodies scattered across the desert, some lying beneath the truck, all having died from dehydration.

"Despite significant efforts by the driver, co-driver, and passengers, they could not survive being stranded amidst extreme temperatures, depleted water, and no nearby resupply points," stated the Agadez regional government in Niger.

Due to the challenging desert travel conditions, officials decided to bury the victims in a mass grave at the site where they perished.

Rescue team burying victims' bodies in the desert. Photo: ActuNiger

Upon their return, the rescue team encountered another truck carrying over 60 people that had also broken down in the desert. The passengers reported being stranded there for three days under harsh conditions.

This group, returning from a gold mine near the Mali border, was successfully rescued.

Niger is a landlocked nation in West Africa, with much of its territory within the Sahara desert. It lies on a dangerous migration route from Africa towards Europe.

Location of Niger. Graphic: Britannica

Many have previously died from thirst, exhaustion, or being stranded after vehicles broke down in the desert. In 2023, at least 27 bodies were found near Dirkou, northeast Niger, believed to be migrants who died of thirst while attempting to cross the desert to Libya.

The Sahara is the world's largest hot desert, spanning several North African countries. This region presents harsh conditions, high temperatures, scarce water sources, and many areas with virtually no resupply points.

Duc Trung (According to AFP, AP, Arab News)