Doctors of the World expresses deep concern as 7,000 migrants stranded in Niger’s desert

In April and May 2025, more than 7,000 migrants, primarily from sub-Saharan Africa and largely Nigerien nationals, were forcibly expelled from Algeria to the Assamaka Desert in Niger, Reliefweb.com reported. This unprecedented wave of expulsions has created a severe humanitarian crisis, with migrants enduring extreme desert conditions such as intense heat exceeding 111°F, drought, sandstorms, and a critical lack of food, water, and medical care.

Among those expelled, over 700 children were registered, many of whom face heightened vulnerability. Overcrowding at transit centers in Agadez has forced some children to rely on volunteer host families, while others are left to survive on the streets. The migrants suffer from physical trauma, respiratory ailments, dehydration, and skin diseases, particularly among children under 15, including unaccompanied minors.

Doctors of the World, active in Agadez since 2014, has been providing essential medical and psychological support, operating an infirmary and mobile clinics, and collaborating with local health authorities. In April alone, the number of migrants at the reception site surged from the usual 400 to nearly 2,600, leading to 446 medical consultations during recent waves of arrivals.

The organization warns of rising cases of violence, including sexual violence against minors, and calls on the international community, the European Union, and countries involved in migration routes to respect migrants’ rights and dignity. Sustainable humanitarian solutions and adequate healthcare access are urgently needed to address this escalating crisis.