Nigerien authorities have warned that transport companies STM and SONITRAV could face sanctions, including the possible withdrawal of their operating licenses, following a fatal bus collision in Doukou Doukou, Madaoua department, that killed 22 people, including 17 soldiers, and injured 37 others. The head-on collision occurred Friday morning between an STM bus travelling from Madaoua and a SONITRAV bus coming from Zinder, which was carrying mainly soldiers completing their training. Transport Minister Colonel-Major Abdouramane Amadou summoned the two companies in Niamey and ordered an investigation to determine responsibility.
The minister described the accident as unacceptable and called for greater discipline among drivers and transport operators, stressing the importance of vehicle maintenance, compliance with driving and rest periods, and road safety regulations. Authorities said the company found responsible could receive a warning, suspension or loss of its operating license, in addition to possible legal proceedings. Officials from the Transport Ministry, the Nigerien Road Safety Agency and the National Gendarmerie are participating in the process as the government seeks to establish the causes of the accident and prevent similar tragedies.
