Transport Risks in Africa

The transportation sector in Africa faces an alarming crisis, particularly in the Sahel region, where insecurity has surged. With rising violence and threats from extremist groups, the safety of truck drivers and transportation routes is under severe threat. This situation not only affects the livelihoods of many but also has broader implications for trade and regional stability.

Some companies have resorted to negotiating payments with jihadists

The escalating insecurity in the Sahel routes has raised significant concerns among truck drivers from Morocco and Senegal, who frequently traverse this strategic region of West Africa. Recent incidents, particularly the abduction of six Senegalese transporters in Mali by the JNIM terror group, affiliated with Al-Qaeda, have heightened fears among drivers, their unions, and logistics companies. As attacks become more frequent, the safety of convoys from various nationalities is increasingly jeopardized.

Faced with this dire situation, some companies have taken the troubling step of negotiating payments with jihadists to secure safe passage for their goods. This practice underscores not only the desperation of businesses trying to maintain operations but also the urgent need for effective solutions to ensure safe transit.

Persistent threats in the Sahel region

Armed groups such as JNIM and the Islamic State have established makeshift checkpoints and operate with alarming speed, making it nearly impossible for local security forces to protect transporters effectively. The vulnerability of truck drivers is evident, prompting companies to consider payments to militants as a means of ensuring their safety. The lack of secure alternatives highlights the pressing need for comprehensive political and military solutions to address the underlying issues of instability in the region.

• Increased frequency of attacks on transport convoys.
• Presence of armed groups controlling key routes.
• Inability of local security forces to respond effectively.
• Economic impact on trade and logistics operations.
• Growing desperation among companies to find safe passage.

Demands from unions and businesses for government intervention

Leaders of Moroccan transport unions are calling on the Rabat government to negotiate directly with Sahel nations to establish armed escorts, in collaboration with local gendarmeries. This initiative aims to safeguard both lives and commerce in the region. Mustapha Chaoun, president of the African Union of Transport and Logistics, emphasizes the responsibility of international organizations to devise solutions that restore stability to the Trans-Saharan corridor, which is crucial for Morocco's economy and the broader region.

By implementing measures such as armed escorts, the government can enhance the safety of transporters, allowing for the continuation of vital trade routes that support regional economies. The call for action reflects a growing awareness of the interconnectedness between security and economic stability.

Alternative routes under consideration

The reliance on the Trans-Saharan Corridor, which accounts for a significant portion of commercial traffic between Morocco and West Africa (with over 1,650 Moroccan trucks traversing it monthly), has led to discussions about alternative routes in light of increasing insecurity. One proposal includes the potential opening of a border route between Smara (in Moroccan Sahara) and Bir Moghrein (Mauritania). This route aims to bypass the most dangerous areas, although it remains in the planning stages.

This alternative could provide a vital lifeline for transporters, reducing their exposure to threats while maintaining essential trade links. However, the implementation of such routes requires collaboration between governments and thorough risk assessments to ensure their safety and viability.

Commercial and human impact of the crisis

The situation in the Sahel poses a strategic and humanitarian challenge: without stability and security, not only does commerce suffer, but the daily lives of thousands of drivers are at risk. The transport sector is a key driver of development and connectivity across African nations, and its disruption threatens to exacerbate existing economic challenges.

As industry stakeholders call for regional cooperation and swift action, it becomes evident that a multi-faceted approach is necessary. This includes:

• Strengthening security collaborations between nations.
• Investing in infrastructure improvements to support safer routes.
• Engaging with international organizations for assistance and funding.
• Encouraging dialogue among stakeholders to develop comprehensive strategies.

The complexities of the Sahel region's security landscape necessitate collaborative efforts, not just from local governments but also from international actors who can contribute to restoring stability and safety in this critical area.

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