At least 35 migrants die crossing Niger desert

At least 35 migrants have died crossing Niger’s desert toward Libya or Algeria so far this year, according to the local NGO Alarme Phone Sahara, reports AFP. Many perish after smugglers abandon them or vehicles break down, leaving them to walk in extreme heat. Thousands more have been stranded after expulsions from Algeria and Libya. Niger’s military government says 16,000 people were expelled into its territory in the first half of 2025.