Mysterious Disappearance of Moroccan Trucks and Drivers in Burkina Faso-Niger Border Region

In a troubling incident, three Moroccan trucks and their four drivers have vanished under mysterious circumstances in the border area between Burkina Faso and Niger. The trucks were last reported traveling from Dori, Burkina Faso, to Tera, Niger, on January 18, 2025.

Details of the Incident

Sources from the international freight transport sector indicate that the trucks disappeared during the early hours of Saturday. This route is notorious for security issues, with armed groups and terrorists operating in the vicinity. Preliminary reports suggest that the drivers may have been kidnapped or detained by these groups, raising alarms about the safety of transport workers in this region.

Official Reactions

• Moroccan Embassy's Efforts: The Moroccan Embassy in Burkina Faso has confirmed that it is in constant communication with local authorities in both Burkina Faso and Niger to locate the missing trucks and drivers. The embassy had previously issued warnings regarding the dangers posed by unprotected roads in this area, which has seen a rise in terrorist activities.
• Transport Union's Appeal: The General Union of Transport Professionals has called on Moroccan authorities to take urgent action to ensure the safe return of the drivers. They emphasized that such incidents highlight the pressing need for enhanced security measures to protect those involved in international transport.

Security Challenges in the Region

The border region between Burkina Faso and Niger is one of the most unstable areas in Africa's Sahel region. It is home to violent extremist groups such as ISIS in the Greater Sahara and Boko Haram. Recent attacks have resulted in significant casualties, including an incident where 18 soldiers lost their lives.

Urgent Need for Driver Protection

This incident underscores the risks faced by Moroccan drivers engaged in international transport, particularly in regions with unstable security conditions. Transport professionals are advocating for increased security measures for Moroccan trucks operating on these dangerous routes, as well as improved coordination with local authorities to ensure worker safety.

The disappearance of these trucks poses serious challenges for Morocco's international transport sector and highlights the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to safeguard both drivers and cargo in high-risk environments.