Niger's Ban Reversal on Sahara Migrant Smuggling: A Complex Dilemma

The lifting of Niger's ban on people smuggling has been welcomed by residents of Agadez, a city located near the Sahara Desert that used to be a major transit point for migrants heading to North Africa and Europe. The ban, which was introduced in 2015 with the support of the European Union, was meant to reduce migration to Europe and ensure the safety of migrants in the desert. However, it had unintended consequences, such as forcing migrants to take riskier routes and leading to deaths and disappearances. The law also unfairly targeted the residents of Agadez, who faced prosecution for helping migrants. The repeal of the law has been seen as a positive development by the locals, but the EU is concerned that it could lead to more deaths in the desert. The impact of the lifting of the law remains uncertain, as multiple factors contribute to the decision to migrate. Many migrants who transit through Niger do not necessarily go to Europe but settle in North African countries instead. Despite the risks, many migrants, like Alagie Sanneh, are determined to seek a better life for themselves and their families.