Sighting in Tombouctou, March 20, 1953

At about 8:15 p.m., two witnesses noticed an orange point of light that looked stationary, low on the horizon. It seemed to travel fairly slowly from the northeast toward the southwest, without leaving a trail. It then moved away, growing smaller and dimmer until it vanished completely.

Only one account was collected. An astronomical check showed no celestial body in the direction given, and the object also showed apparent motion. As described, the phenomenon could match a distant aircraft seen head-on with its headlight on. Because of the lack of information and of any corroboration, GEIPAN classified the case as C.