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180 seconds: Agadez in Niger, a real migratory crossroads
180 seconds: Agadez in Niger, a real migratory crossroads – (franceinfo)
From West Africa to Europe, the migrant route often passes through Niger and the city of Agadez. Closed for a long time, the city just reopened its doors two months ago: since then, it has constituted a real crossing point for migrants.
Agadez, a city in Niger: it is nicknamed “the gateway to the desert”. Since the end of November, it has regained its numbers after the repeal of a law which criminalized migrant smuggling. Visible consequence: the pick-ups, loaded with candidates for exile, are once again full to bursting. For migrants, it is the only way to cross the desert and reach the Tunisian and Libyan coasts.
A real business for smugglers
For Aboubakar Halilou, smuggler, his business has been going well since business resumed: he has found a smile again. He recounts the difficult crossing conditions: “We put them in pick-ups, 4x4s that can transport 35 to 40 people (…) imagine what that feels like”. However, he must defend his livelihood: “but for us, it’s our job, people have to come through”.
Since November and the repeal which made it possible to limit trafficking, the number of migrant departures from Agadez for Europe has tripled.
