Safety Concerns for Moroccan Truck Drivers in Mali
On May 2, 2026, the Global Freight Professionals Union revealed alarming news regarding the plight of eight Moroccan trucks that are stranded in Mali amidst escalating security and political turmoil. The union has formally reached out to various diplomatic agencies within Morocco, urging them to deploy a military shield to safeguard these trucks and their drivers, who are currently trapped as they attempt to return home. This situation has arisen following their journey to several African nations just before the outbreak of severe military clashes in Mali.
Cherki El Hachemi, the union's Secretary-General, emphasized the critical nature of the circumstances faced by the drivers, who find themselves caught between the regions of Diama and Dori, an area recognized for its heightened risks due to intense armed conflicts. Their trucks, laden with goods, were on their way back to Casablanca when they encountered this dire situation. El Hachemi has been quick to notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant authorities about the urgent need for military intervention to ensure the safe passage of these drivers from the volatile region.
Efforts to Coordinate a Safe Exit
In addition to the group stranded in Diama, there is another cohort of drivers positioned along the borders of Mali with Burkina Faso and Mauritania. Fortunately, their conditions are considered stable compared to those of their counterparts embroiled in the heart of the conflict in Mali. El Hachemi indicated that the union has issued strict guidelines for drivers, advising them to maintain a safe distance of no less than ten meters between trucks, refrain from congregating in one spot, and remain vigilant until visibility improves and security conditions stabilize.
The deteriorating security situation in Mali is unprecedented and has taken many by surprise, especially given that these drivers entered the country from Burkina Faso just before the outbreak of violence. This necessitates high-level diplomatic and military coordination to ensure their safety. Mustapha Chaoun, the head of the African Union for Freight and Logistics Structures, affirmed that his organization is working closely with consular authorities and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure the safety of professionals and facilitate trade through the sole remaining passageway to sub-Saharan Africa and West Africa, located at Guerguerat.
Chaoun also highlighted ongoing awareness campaigns aimed at informing freight professionals and drivers about the risks of traveling to regions experiencing security disturbances and militia crises. He stated that the military authorities in Mali have issued clear warnings against the entry of foreign trucks and vehicles due to their inability to maintain security control. This has prompted continuous contact between professionals and official representatives in Morocco and neighboring countries.
As reported by fr.hespress.com.
