Search for Missing Truckers: Morocco, Burkina Faso, and Niger Cooperate

The fate of four Moroccan truck drivers who went missing between Burkina Faso and Niger last Saturday remains unclear. According to sources familiar with the matter, a crisis unit within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Living Abroad is currently working alongside Morocco’s embassies in Burkina Faso and Niger, in close coordination with the authorities of both countries, to locate the missing individuals.

The sources revealed that the drivers went missing on the road between Dori in Burkina Faso and Tera in Niger. This route passes through the Sitenga region, which recently witnessed a deadly ambush (between Dori and Sitenga) that claimed the lives of 18 soldiers and several civilians.

The same sources stated, “This incident is very recent, and anyone in the area is presumed to be aware of it. Precautionary measures, such as obtaining security escorts, should have been taken to avoid risks of ambush, kidnapping, or attacks.”

Meanwhile, professional sources in the international goods transportation sector reported new information from Burkinabé drivers to their Moroccan counterparts, suggesting that “the three missing trucks are currently in the Nigerian capital, Niamey.”

However, these sources expressed skepticism, stating, “There needs to be Moroccan personnel on-site to fully verify the accuracy of this information.”

As of now, no jihadist group in the Sahel has claimed responsibility for the disappearance of the four Moroccan drivers.

Given the escalating terrorist threat posed by the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS), which operates between Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, the same sources highlighted that “truck convoys are regularly organized under the protection of the Burkinabé army to ensure safe transport across borders, particularly between Dori and Tera.”

The northeastern border region of Burkina Faso is currently facing a significant jihadist threat, exacerbating instability and insecurity characterized by recurring violence. The affected countries are intensifying efforts to secure these areas and mitigate the terrorist threat, while also providing substantial humanitarian aid to victims and displaced individuals.

the Moroccan driver’s decision to proceed through the area, despite the recent deadly ambush on January 11, underscores the dangerous nature of this region, as reported by sources.

The sources also reminded workers in the transportation sector to “strictly adhere to established security protocols. Unauthorized travel through sensitive areas is unacceptable due to potential risks.” They emphasized that “complying with security measures is essential to ensure the safety of convoys.”

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