Algeria stands accused of abandoning African migrants in the Sahara |DW News

Key Concepts

• Pushbacks: Forcibly transporting migrants to a border and forcing them to cross into another country.
• Point Zero: A location on the Algerian side of the border with Niger where migrants are abandoned.
• Alarm Sahara: A transnational initiative of activists monitoring and assisting migrants in the Sahara.
• EU Outsourcing of Border Control: The European Union's strategy of relying on countries like Niger to control migration flows.
• International Law and Conventions: Agreements and regulations that govern how states should treat migrants and refugees.
• Non-refoulement: A principle of international law that prohibits returning refugees to a country where they would face persecution.

Summary

Overview of the Situation

The video reports on Algeria's practice of rounding up migrants, busing them to a remote area in the Sahara desert near "Point Zero," and forcing them to cross the border into Niger. This practice, known as "pushbacks," has resulted in thousands of migrants being abandoned in harsh conditions, with limited access to food, water, and assistance. Alarm Sahara, an NGO, has been monitoring this situation for several years and providing aid to those affected.

Alarm Sahara's Role and Objectives

Moktar Dan Yay, a rights activist and co-founder of Alarm Sahara, explains that the organization was formed in response to the increasing dangers faced by migrants in Niger after 2015, when the country became a key point for the EU's outsourced border control. Alarm Sahara has three main objectives:

1. Raising awareness about the situation.
2. Documenting human rights violations.
3. Rescuing people in distress in the desert.

Details of the Pushbacks

The pushbacks between Algeria and Niger have been ongoing since around 2018. While an agreement existed between the two countries to return Nigerian citizens, Algeria has expanded the practice to include all black African migrants and even non-Africans. Migrants are dropped off at Point Zero, approximately 15 kilometers from the nearest village in Niger (Asamaka), forcing them to walk in extreme temperatures without adequate supplies.

Treatment of Migrants by Algerian Authorities

Migrants who have experienced these pushbacks report cruel and inhumane treatment by Algerian authorities. This includes:

• Seizure of belongings: Mobile phones, money, and other possessions are confiscated.
• Physical abuse: Migrants report being beaten.
• Sexual assault: Women have reported instances of rape.
• Death: Alarm Sahara documented five deaths of migrants shortly after being pushed back between March 22nd and April 22nd of the current year.

Response of Nigerian Authorities

Nigerian authorities are aware of the situation and have repeatedly asked Algeria to stop the pushbacks. However, they lack the power to prevent them. Once migrants arrive in Niger, authorities and organizations like Alarm Sahara provide assistance to help them recover and, eventually, return to their home countries.

The European Union's Role and Responsibility

The European Union (EU) is seen as having a significant role and responsibility in the situation. Mktar argues that the EU has a moral responsibility due to its stated commitment to human rights. Furthermore, the EU provides funding and assistance to Algeria, including training for border security forces. This cooperation makes the EU complicit in the human rights violations occurring during the pushbacks. Germany, for example, has been cooperating with Algeria since 2017 in training police and border security.

Solutions and Recommendations

To stop the pushbacks and prevent further deaths, Mktar suggests several actions:

1. Enforcement of international law: International laws and conventions should be applied to hold states accountable for their actions.
2. Action by powerful countries and the UN: The EU and the UN should use their influence and legal instruments to stop human rights violations.
3. Changing the perception of migration: Migration should not be viewed solely as a threat or security issue, as people often flee their homes in search of protection. States have a duty to provide protection to those seeking it.

Conclusion

The video highlights the dire situation faced by migrants being pushed back from Algeria into Niger. The practice is characterized by inhumane treatment, human rights violations, and a lack of accountability. Alarm Sahara plays a crucial role in monitoring the situation and providing assistance. The EU is implicated due to its cooperation with Algeria and its failure to uphold its human rights commitments. Addressing this crisis requires a multi-faceted approach involving the enforcement of international law, action by powerful nations, and a shift in the perception of migration.