IOM rescues 50 West African migrants in the desert of Niger, south of Lybia

50 West African migrants have been rescued by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), in the desert of Niger, southern border of Libya which included women and children.

 

IOM rescues 50 West African migrants in the desert of Niger, south of Lybia: Full details

Illegal migration and the use of unapproved routes through the desert remains an option for many African youths who want to reach the west at all cost, irrespective of the dangers such voyages pose to their lives.

This dangerous journey and attempt to make to the “greener pastures” in Europe has also become an attractive business for middle men who are ready to help migrants go through the journey at a fee.

As described by the IOM, the rescued migrants were in distress and vulnerable, including 3 women, 10 children and 37 male adults.

According to information available to Humanrightsreporters.com, the migrants were said to be stranded in the desert while on the perilous journey near the town of Dirkou.

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Most, as the UN agency discloses, were returning from Lybia while others were going there but could no longer afford to continue the torturous journey hence asked for the help of IOM, says Aissatou Sy, spokeswoman for the organization.

The town of Dirkou is the notoriously depicted as the crossroad for human, drug and weapon trafficking into Lybia and ultimately into Europe.

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The migrating group of one Cameroonian and 49 Nigerians were successfully rescued and flown into Agadez where the IOM help center is located.

Unfortunately, very often than not most of these migrants come from West African countries.

Authorities say it is common for vehicles transporting migrants to break down in the middle of the desert, for smugglers to miss their route or abandon their vehicles for the fear of being caught in the process.

Until African governments become solutions to the many problems such as lack of jobs, opportunities and enabling environments that help create “Greener pastures” at home, the West will continue to be attractive to Africa’s frustrated youth who will put their lives on the line to leave the shores of Africa for a better life.

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