The recent lifting of Niger’s people-smuggling ban has raised concerns about the impact on migration routes and the safety of migrants in the Sahara desert. While the ban was originally implemented to protect migrants and reduce deaths, locals and migration specialists argue that it led to unintended consequences, such as migrants taking longer and riskier routes to avoid authorities, resulting in more deaths and disappearances. The repeal of the ban has been welcomed by many in Agadez, a city heavily affected by migration, as it allows for the resumption of transit trips for migrants heading towards North Africa and Europe.
However, there are concerns that lifting the ban could lead to an increase in deaths in the desert. The European Union (EU) has expressed these concerns and believes that more people will opt to make the dangerous journey north. The EU also raises questions about the junta’s motivations for repealing the ban, suggesting that they may want to return to a pre-2015 situation where military actors were involved in migrant smuggling. It remains to be seen how the junta’s decision will impact migration patterns and the safety of migrants.
Experts argue that the decision to migrate depends on multiple factors, including the situation in migrants’ countries of origin, such as conflict, economic and political conditions, and levels of individual freedom. The lifting of the ban may not necessarily have a direct impact on the decision-making process of migrants, as many of them transit through Niger without intending to go to Europe but instead settle in North African countries.
The experiences of migrants like Alagie Sanneh, a Gambian national in Agadez, shed light on the dangers of the desert journey. Sanneh recounts the risks he faced during his previous trip and emphasizes the importance of finding a better life for himself and his future children. Despite the ban being lifted, individuals like Sanneh will continue to seek opportunities abroad, driven by economic hardships and aspirations for a better future.
As Niger undergoes a period of intense change following a coup, it is essential to monitor the consequences of the ban’s repeal. This includes assessing migration routes, the involvement of military actors in smuggling, and the impact on migrants’ safety. It is crucial for authorities to strike a balance between addressing the needs of migrants and ensuring their protection, without compromising national security and sovereignty. The decision to lift the ban should not be taken lightly, and careful considerations must be made to mitigate potential risks and safeguard the well-being of migrants in the Sahara.
