Four Moroccan truck drivers who were kidnapped by an armed group in northeastern Burkina Faso on Saturday have been released in Niger.
The drivers were transporting electrical equipment from Casablanca to Niamey, the capital of Niger, when their convoy was intercepted in a border region known for its instability and the presence of armed groups.
The drivers, who had been traveling for over 20 days, lost contact on Saturday, prompting concern from their families and the Transport Union of Morocco. According to reports, the kidnappers took the drivers to a remote forest and seized their trucks and cargo. The convoy, which was supposed to have military escort, reportedly bypassed this protection.
The drivers were released without major incident, according to Echarki El Hachmi, secretary general of the Transport Union in Morocco. However, the whereabouts of the trucks and cargo remain unknown.
The Moroccan embassy in Burkina Faso confirmed the release of the drivers late Monday evening. The embassy will work with authorities to investigate the circumstances of the kidnapping and identify the perpetrators.
This incident highlights the significant security risks faced by truck drivers operating in the Sahel region, where instability, insecurity, and logistical challenges are prevalent. The Moroccan authorities have pledged to work with their counterparts in the region to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
MK/Sf/ac/fss/abj/APA