Rising Tensions Between Algeria and Niger After Mass Migrant Expulsions
As Algeria’s relations with several Sahel countries continue to deteriorate, signs of a new diplomatic crisis are emerging between Algiers and Niamey following the expulsion of thousands of migrants by Algeria to Niger since the beginning of April. The move has raised growing humanitarian and political concerns.
According to international reports, Algerian authorities have expelled nearly 5,000 migrants in recent weeks under conditions described as inhumane. While the Nigerien government has yet to issue an official response, the country’s public media has taken a firm stance on the matter.
In a recent broadcast, Niger’s state-run channel “Télé Sahel” strongly criticized Algeria’s actions along Niger’s northern border, accusing Algiers of violating African and international agreements by carrying out mass deportations involving migrants from various African countries, including a large number of Nigeriens.
Quoting the outlet Sahel Intelligence, the Nigerien broadcaster warned of the serious consequences of this “humanitarian crisis,” stressing that it could “turn into a real catastrophe” if urgent measures are not taken.
These developments recall a major diplomatic standoff between the two countries in April of last year, when Niger summoned the Algerian ambassador to protest what it described as “violent” deportation practices. Algeria responded by summoning Niger’s ambassador and dismissing the allegations as “baseless.”
This current situation unfolds amid already strained regional relations, especially following an incident where the Algerian army shot down a Malian military drone that was reportedly targeting a group of Tuareg separatists in northern Mali. Bamako considers these groups “terrorists” seeking independence for the region.
In recent days, Niger withdrew its ambassador from Algeria in solidarity with Mali, which had taken the same step earlier. Burkina Faso also followed suit, acting within the framework of the tripartite alliance uniting Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
Observers fear that Algeria might continue its deportations to northern Niger as a form of retaliation for Niamey’s alignment with Bamako amid the current political and diplomatic crisis.
It is worth noting that Niger has repeatedly protested Algeria’s expulsion of migrants across its southern border — a recurring issue that could once again lead to heightened tensions between the two nations.
