Alarme Phone 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 an end to deportations from Libya to Niger Republic.

On the night of 3 to 4 January 2025, APS said 613 Niger nationals, including minors, arrived in the desert town of Dirkou, having been deported from Libya. Most of the people concerned had previously been held in detention centres in Libya.

According to the APS team, the people who were deported come from the regions of Tillabéri, Tahoua, Maradi, Diffa, Niamey and Dosso. Among them were 63 minors, and 4 people arrived in a sick condition.

The people were arrested in various places in Libya, including Tripoli, Gatrone, Sabha and Misrata, in different locations such as mosques, on the street and in workplaces. According to the Alarme Phone Sahara team, all their belongings, including mobile phones and money, were confiscated by Libyan forces.

The Alarme Phone Sahara (APS) team provided assistance to deportees in cooperation with other organisations, such as the Red Cross, CIAUD (International Committee for Relief and Development) and the IOM. The teams distributed 10 bags of dates and a few food kits to alleviate the situation of people deported in painful conditions

Alarme Phone Sahara is calling for a stop of deportations from Libya, respect for the free movement and human rights of all people on the move, and an end to the European Union’s anti-migration deals with the Maghreb countries!

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is deeply alarmed by the devastating impact of winter rains and freezing temperatures on displaced Palestinians in Gaza, adding to the unparalleled humanitarian catastrophe.  

“Vulnerable people, including at least seven infants, have died from hypothermia, and these tragic deaths underscore the urgent need for shelter and other help to get to the people of Gaza immediately,” said IOM Director General Amy Pope. 

Heavy rains and flooding have overwhelmed displacement sites and makeshift shelters. Families are left exposed to harsh conditions, struggling to repair damaged tents from months of use. Systematic access constraints, as reported by OCHA, have severely hindered aid delivery, with only 285,000 people receiving shelter support since September 2024.  

As of mid-December, the Shelter Cluster, a coordination group of UN, international and local humanitarian organizations, estimates at least 945,000 still urgently need winterization assistance, such as thermal clothing, blankets, and tarps to seal-off shelters from the rain and cold.  

IOM has delivered nearly 180,000 emergency shelter items to partners inside Gaza since mid-November and has over 1.5 million more winter supplies—sealing-off kits, tents, bedding kits —ready at warehouses and entry points, but severe access restrictions prevent them from reaching those in need. 

IOM reiterates its urgent call for a ceasefire to enable the safe and immediate delivery of life-saving aid to those in desperate need. IOM also renews its call for all parties to adhere to international humanitarian law, ensure the protection of civilians, release of all hostages and allow safe, rapid, unimpeded and sustained humanitarian access.  

The people of Gaza deserve safety, shelter and dignity. IOM stands ready to mobilize aid and support displaced communities, but humanitarian access must be granted to make this possible. 

Twenty five Malians and 45 other migrants are reportedly missing after their boat sank off Morocco.

This was disclosed in a post by a researcher who goes by the name Jihed on X, formerly twitter.

The post reads: “Tragedy off #Morocco: 70 missing, including 25 young #Malians,after a #migrant boat sank on Dec 19.

The Malian government confirms the loss, stating the boat carried 80 migrants, with only 11 survivors (9 Malians). A devastating consequence of the EU border regime.”

Prior to the incident off Morocco, Jihed had earlier announced “Another invisible #shipwreck.”

He said: “The #Libyan Red Crescent’s #Tripoli team retrieved a body from the shores of Gargaresh. People continue to die due to #Fortress Europe and border violence. Despite limited resources, the Red Crescent strives to bring dignity to the lost.”