Relations between Algeria and its southern neighbour Niger were quite good before the Nigerien military coup in July 2023. Ever since, they have soured.
Earlier this month, they deteriorated further into a very public slanging match, with angry statements issued.
On 3 April, the military junta in Niger’s capital Niamey blasted Algeria’s continued practice of transporting and unloading thousands of undocumented migrants out of Algeria and into the desert, just inside Niger’s borders.
“Niger denounces large-scale police raids recently targeting Sub-Saharan Africans, including many Nigeriens, residing in Tamanrasset (Southern Algeria), disregarding their physical integrity and security of their property,” it said.
Migration and returns
The figures show that returns are increasing. In the first three months of 2023, for instance, Algeria returned more than 7,000 undocumented migrants, mostly to Assamaka, a village near the border.
In the first three months of 2024, however, there were more than 17,000 Algerian deportations. There were 26,000 returns in all of 2023. At the current rate, this number is set to be eclipsed.
Niger has a population of around 25 million. According to the World Bank, rising inflation in the past two years means that 14.1 million of them now live “in extreme poverty”, with 17% of the population now needing humanitarian assistance.
Given the situation, many head north, crossing the 620-mile desert border between Niger and Algeria. Their aim is to reach the Mediterranean Sea coast and then take a boat to Europe.
Tens of thousands of Nigeriens cross into Algeria every year. This presents a major security concern for Algiers.
Many Algerians still recall with horror their 'Black Decade' (1991-99) when the state battled a jihadist insurgency. Militias and massacres became a daily reality for years. As the country tipped into civil war, an estimated 150,000 were killed. Guarding against any repeat is a top priority.
