Transmigrations

Transmigrations
A thousand-kilometre-plus journey through the Libyan desert for those seeking to enter Europe via Lampedusa.

More than 10,000 migrants each month pass through the Ténéré Nigerino headed for Libya with the hope of reaching Europe. They arrive from Western Africa in whatever way possible and make this final leg of their trip from Agadez, the fabled city on the edge of the desert. During the journey they stop occasionally in various villages along the way to work and earn the money necessary to get them to Dirkou, the last oasis in Niger before entering Libya. Most succeed in continuing their journey, but some remain stranded, unable to go on due to lack of money. It is claimed about 12% of the migrants die during the trip but the figure may well be significantly higher.

Alfredo Bini photographer