At least 13 people have died in a boat accident on the Niger River along the border between Niger Republic and Benin Republic.
The incident happened on Wednesday between Gaya, a border town in Niger, and Malanville in northern Benin. Local residents confirmed the deaths and said that several people survived, while rescue efforts were still ongoing as of Thursday.
Reports say the wooden boat, commonly known as a pirogue, was carrying mostly Nigerien passengers. It capsized while crossing the river, but the exact cause of the accident remains unknown.
Boat accidents are not uncommon on the Niger River, especially involving pirogues that are often overloaded or poorly maintained. In August 2023, two people died in a similar incident. In 2019, another boat carrying grain and traders capsized, killing at least 43 people.
Tensions have remained high along the Niger-Benin border since the military takeover in Niger in 2023. The junta in Niamey has closed land borders with Benin, accusing the neighbouring country of trying to destabilise the government. Despite the closure, locals continue to use river routes for trade and travel.
Authorities have not issued an official statement, but residents are calling for stronger safety measures on the river to prevent further tragedies.