Niger 2024 – Al Jazeera, RSI, Afrique XXI, Nigrizia

In November 2023, months after a military coup that caught Western diplomats by surprise, creating new divisions in an unpredictable geopolitical landscape, Niger’s junta suppressed Law 36/2015. Adopted under strong pressure by European partners and UN agencies, the regulation criminalized the transportation of migrants by smugglers or facilitators, north of Agadez to Libya and Algeria with the eventual aim of reaching Europe.
The enforcement of that law, from 2016 onwards, marked the beginning of a romance between European leaders, eager to demonstrate action on migration from Africa, and Niger’s rulers, who relied on external funds and diplomatic support to consolidate their power.

As a result of the repeal, “passeurs” have resumed their activities openly in broad daylight. This reportage was born from a mission in the Agadez region which took place in January 2024. It tells the stories of migrants traveling to Libya and passeurs who returned to freedom after being in prison. The photos show the preparation of migrants for departure, life in the city and within the “ghettos” where migrants stay.  The report describes how the economy of Agadez, a city that has historically been at the heart of the caravan routes that cross the desert, regained momentum.

However, there are also the stories of those who work to save migrants attempting to cross the Sahara such as Alarm Phone. The report provides firsthand accounts from local authorities in Niger with key insights into recent developments within international and European institutions.