Sahara news...
 

... on Tam to Agadez, robbery in Aïr, sat phone rental and a country round up

http://www.sahara-overland.com/news

Chris S

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Author of Sahara Overland and the Adventure Motorcycling Handbook, among other things

http://www.sahara-overland.com

Is there any follow-up (in English) about the robbery of the Italian woman's car, or the Dutch? I'm surprised to read that the owner of Le Pilier alegedly told the victims not to discuss the robbery. If this is who I think it is, he was an immense help in another robbery, giving most generously to all involved. And I'm quite surprised to hear the Dutch feel they were being watched at the Hotel L'Air. Other bad guys have operated out of Dirkou and the Djako, and I am dismayed to hear that the rougher criminal elements have worked their way into the heart of Agadez. Let's hear some follow-up!

The bad guys have been around Agadez for years - these were not the first robberies in that area by any means. Last year two local tours were robbed in the Air and I recall other robberies around Agadez in the preceeding years of both tourists and locals. As Gerbert says, Agadez has become " a bit a [of a] mafia place".
Robberies have mostly occured out of town - the grab of the Italian car was audacious but is relatively old news (see thread below - 'Bad Niger' or similar). The Dutch I've only just found out about. I'm sure the Le Pilier guy was just trying to protect his business - doesnt mean he was not helpful.

>And I'm quite surprised to hear the Dutch feel they were being watched...
Or overheard... its not that implausable - one of the workers passes the news on and gets a cut. It's possible that a similar thing happened with the Austrians who got done near Emi Lulu on Boxing Day.

After the hits of the last two seasons, Niger has become the most risky of the accessible Saharan countries for tourists, both in their own cars and on tours. But people still go there. I was there myself a year ago -
http://www.sahara-overland.com/Sfiles/tenere.htm
it was fine.

Chris S

Just curious -
Is it still the case that motorcyclists are mostly left alone, at least for their vehicles?
Wright

Yes. I've never heard of a Saharan biker getting robbed by bandits, let alone his bike stolen.

Chris S