Algeria Border Security Affecting Region

Written by Ann Brown

Dec 13, 2014

Algeria is preparing for worst-case scenarios, due to the deterioration of conditions in the Sahel.

Mounting concerns over border security led Algeria to toughen its stance towards illegal immigrants.

But more than just refugees try to cross borders in times of conflict, an officer from the Border Guard Group (GGF) tells Magharebia.

“Smugglers follow the same routes, and terrorist groups that thrive in these huge areas also benefit,” says the officer, who asks to be identified only by his initials, S.L.

“So the Algerian government has made a choice between humanitarian considerations and security considerations,” the border guard adds.

The first convoy of 300 Nigerien illegal immigrants sent out of Algeria, mostly children and women, arrived Tuesday night (December 10th) in Arlit, AFP reported.

In total, some 3,000 migrants “unemployed and who unfortunately live by begging”, should be repatriated from Algeria, Nigerien Prime Minister Brigi Rafini said a fortnight ago.