Alarmephone Sahara calls for regular civilian patrols in Kaouar desert

Alarmephone Sahara (APS),  a cooperation project between associations, groups and individuals in the Sahel-Saharan region and Europe to defend lives and the freedom of movement, has called for regular civilian patrols in Kaouar desert.

The organisation said this while recounting its experience with stranded migrants.

Explaining the need  for civilian patrols in the Kaouar desert, Alarmephone Sahara said: “During this year’s second multi-day patrol in the Kaouar region, the regional team once again encountered numerous migrants travelling to and from #Libya.

“In particular, they rescued a group of migrants whose vehicle had broken down 11km west of #Suiguidine. A person managed to get to Siguidine to seek help for the 25 travellers, including women and  children. The APS team on the spot went to the scene of the accident with 60l of water and  dates harvested locally to provide initial assistance.

“Like most of the migrants, they have already made an exhausting journey lasting several days, and are hungry and thirsty (particularly in the current heat).”

Alarmephone Sahara said “The APS team also spoke to Nigerian migrants en route to Libya to work. ‘We are fighting for our lives and for our families’,explains one of them as he undertakes the long and difficult journey across the desert. This once again highlights the distress in which migrants see and find themselves.”

From its experience, it said: “We have learnt from the many interventions in recent weeks in the Kaouar desert, between Agadez and Libya, that it is very important to carry out regular civilian patrols.

“The migrants, in particular, have greatly appreciated the presence of Alarme Phone Sahara in the desert. ‘When they see the team, they start applauding, and they’re relieved,’ say colleagues.”