Summary:

On 21 May 2025, Nigerien NGOs denounced Algeria’s massive deportations of migrants to Niger where they are allegedly abandoned at the borders, according to their joint declaration. 

                                     [mepr-show if=”loggedout”] Please login or purchase an InBrief membership to view the rest of this report [/mepr-show] [mepr-show if=”loggedin”]

The NGOs claimed that Algeria deported more than 5,800 migrants since the start of 2025, noting an increase of these deportations in April. The migrants are left at the border, far from the nearest city of Assamaka in the Agadez region, where they can receive care. 

The organizations called for Algeria to stop deportations while accusing the European Union of outsourcing migration management.  

Niger’s authorities condemned these forced deportations and demanded the International Organization of Migration organize voluntary deportations of migrants to their countries of origin in place of forced deportations. 

A year earlier, the Nigerien authorities summoned Algeria’s Ambassador in Niamey to contest massive expulsions of its citizens at the border, criticizing the often-violent deportations and the alleged violation of migrants’ rights.  

Outlook: 

 Some observers argue that Algiers is increasing deportations as a retaliatory act toward Niamey following rising tensions with the newly established Alliance of Sahel States. Algeria’s actions taken against these states’ migrants are likely to increase the diplomatic tensions and potentially prompt even more tension along their shared borders. 

Weakened ties with the Sahelian countries are likely to undermine Algeria’s ambitions in the region, including the establishment of the Trans-Saharan Pipeline. Reports indicate that Niger is considering retreating from the pipeline project after Algeria’s downing of a Malian drone at the border. Further tensions over migrants could influence Niamey to threaten to withdraw from the project.  

The weakening of bonds between Sahelian states and Algeria represents a relative diplomatic gain for Morocco as it offers various alternatives to Algeria’s projects as a further extension of their ongoing dispute over Western Sahara.  

Additionally, the deportations of migrants are likely to justify anti-migrant sentiment among Algerians and anti-Algerian sentiment amongst migrants. Such circumstances could lead to civil unrest and violence as various communities push back against perceived threats from other nationalities, ethnicities, and socio-economic groups.  

[/mepr-show]

Explore our services or speak with our team of North Africa-based risk experts.