At least nine African migrants have died after being exposed to freezing temperatures in a remote mountainous area near the border between Morocco and Algeria, according to human rights groups. The tragedy unfolded in Ras Asfour, a harsh winter region where temperatures can plummet dramatically, leaving vulnerable people at grave risk.
The bodies of seven men and two women were discovered by local rights activists, who described the incident as deeply concerning and a violation of migrants’ fundamental right to freedom of movement. While full identities have not been confirmed, the victims were reported to be from various sub-Saharan African countries, including Guinea, highlighting the deadly risks faced by those seeking to transit through North Africa en route to Europe.
Human rights organisations have pointed to broader structural issues that force migrants into perilous conditions including strengthened border controls, limited legal migration pathways and cooperation between North African states and European authorities that can leave migrants stranded in exposed zones with inadequate support. Calls are increasing for more humane border policies, improved tracking of missing migrants, and protection mechanisms to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
