Moroccan Truck Drivers Missing in Burkina Faso Found in Niger
Four Moroccan truck drivers, missing since January 18 between Burkina Faso and Niger, were found safe on January 20 and are heading to the Moroccan embassy. Their recovery resulted from coordinated diplomatic efforts, though their trucks remain missing. The incident highlights the need for enhanced safety measures in transport operations in insecure regions.
hassan benyoub 
Niger – Four Moroccan truck drivers who had been missing since Saturday, January 18, while traveling between northeastern Burkina Faso and western Niger, were located on Monday, January 20. They are currently en route to the Moroccan embassy in Niger.
The successful recovery of the drivers was facilitated by Moroccan diplomatic efforts in collaboration with professionals from the transport sector. Alongside the Moroccan drivers, two other individuals of Burkinabé and Togolese nationality were also found. Reports indicate that the drivers are in good health; however, there is still no information regarding the whereabouts of their trucks. Negotiations are ongoing between the representative of the African Union of Transport and Logistics Organizations (UAOTL) and armed groups for the release of the vehicles.
Mustapha Chaoune, president of UAOTL, confirmed the discovery of the Moroccan drivers but noted that their trucks remain unaccounted for. He emphasized that this successful outcome is a testament to the effective coordination between Moroccan embassies and UAOTL, which played a crucial role in locating the missing individuals.
Chaoune also highlighted the need for transport companies to properly train their employees to mitigate risks in such high-threat regions. The drivers had departed from Casablanca heading to Niger with a cargo of electric poles but reportedly ignored safety instructions near the border before their disappearance.
In response to this incident, the Moroccan diplomatic mission established a crisis cell within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Abroad. This cell worked closely with Moroccan embassies in both Burkina Faso and Niger, as well as local authorities, to facilitate the search for the missing individuals.
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by transport operators in regions plagued by insecurity due to militant activities. As Morocco continues to enhance its diplomatic efforts in these areas, it remains crucial for transport companies to prioritize safety measures and employee training to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
