Algerian-Tunisian Security Meeting Targets Smuggling and Illegal Migration

The Algerian and Tunisian delegations during a meeting to address the risks at the borders. (Algerian Ministry of Interior)
The Algerian and Tunisian delegations during a meeting to address the risks at the borders. (Algerian Ministry of Interior)
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Algerian-Tunisian Security Meeting Targets Smuggling and Illegal Migration

The Algerian and Tunisian delegations during a meeting to address the risks at the borders. (Algerian Ministry of Interior)
The Algerian and Tunisian delegations during a meeting to address the risks at the borders. (Algerian Ministry of Interior)

The first session of the bilateral commission for the promotion and development of the Algerian-Tunisian border regions kicked off Monday in Algiers to discuss a strategy to develop shared border regions of the two North African nations.

Co-chaired by Algerian Interior Minister Brahim Merad and his Tunisian counterpart Kamel Feki, the session unfolded with a commitment to fortifying shared border areas in the face of armed individuals, smugglers, and illegal migration.

Addressing the session's opening, Merad highlighted the focus on realizing partnership opportunities and maximizing available potential in the border area.

He emphasized the establishment of a bilateral cooperation mechanism as a tangible outcome of what he termed "fruitful cooperation on all levels."

The minister pointed to discussions in 2021 between Presidents Abdelmadjid Tebboune and Kais Saied, where issues related to border region development and the mitigation of threats were extensively deliberated.

The Algerian minister underscored the ongoing efforts directed at implementing diverse development programs, with a strategic objective to alleviate disparities and address imbalances in the border regions.

Merad detailed government-launched initiatives for development projects in the border region, emphasizing the need to enhance conditions for travelers at the joint nine border crossings, which serve as active trading hubs.

Also, he called for reinforced epidemiological monitoring along the border to address new pandemics and ensure preparedness against emerging security challenges, particularly in the context of illegal migration.

The minister expressed anticipation that the meetings, attended by governors from southern states, would yield applicable recommendations that prioritize the aspirations and demands of residents in the southern region, ultimately contributing to economic and social development.

Of particular concern to Algeria is the smuggling of large quantities of subsidized gasoline to Tunisia, where its price is three times less.

Carnegie Middle East Center revealed in a study published in 2020 that “from the perspective of local authorities, smuggling functions as a safety valve that relieves some of the economic pressure felt by the inhabitants of Algeria’s neglected eastern provinces.” Moreover, smugglers enhance the security services’ efforts to keep the dreaded triple threat of drugs, weapons, and militants at bay.

“For communities of the borderlands, smuggling contraband into and out of Tunisia presents one of the precious few job opportunities in a region otherwise characterized by unemployment. The activity takes place on such a large scale that it has created a parallel illegal economy,” the Center confirmed.

“The products smuggled from Algeria into Tunisia include gasoline, livestock (especially sheep), auto parts, copper, electronics manufactured by the Algerian brand Condor, perfume, cosmetics, yogurt, powdered milk, and potatoes.”

The study revealed that a gasoline smuggler earns between $150 and $300 per day - and this activity accounts for 75 percent of the economic activity in the region.

“Were the state to clamp down on smugglers, borderland communities would feel even more alienated and might grow restive,” the Center noted, adding that “such smugglers might fall prey to the enticements of jihadis—who they have thus far shunned—and take up work transporting them and their weapons back and forth across the border.”



Rebuilding Gaza Will Cost Over $50 Billion, Says World Bank 

Palestinians walk past tents lining the streets amid the rubble of destroyed buildings in Jabalia, in the northern Gaza Strip on February 18, 2025, as people return to northern parts of Gaza during a current ceasefire deal in the war between Israel and Hamas. (AFP)
Palestinians walk past tents lining the streets amid the rubble of destroyed buildings in Jabalia, in the northern Gaza Strip on February 18, 2025, as people return to northern parts of Gaza during a current ceasefire deal in the war between Israel and Hamas. (AFP)
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Rebuilding Gaza Will Cost Over $50 Billion, Says World Bank 

Palestinians walk past tents lining the streets amid the rubble of destroyed buildings in Jabalia, in the northern Gaza Strip on February 18, 2025, as people return to northern parts of Gaza during a current ceasefire deal in the war between Israel and Hamas. (AFP)
Palestinians walk past tents lining the streets amid the rubble of destroyed buildings in Jabalia, in the northern Gaza Strip on February 18, 2025, as people return to northern parts of Gaza during a current ceasefire deal in the war between Israel and Hamas. (AFP)

The World Bank, United Nations and the European Union are pointing to a formidable international reconstruction effort ahead for Gaza, which they estimate will cost $53.2 billion.

“Funding will require a broad coalition of donors, diverse financing instruments, private sector resources and significant improvements in the delivery of reconstruction materials to Gaza,” said the report released Tuesday.

The organizations said they would work with partners to devise a “strategic plan” to oversee the recovery and reconstruction.

The report identified almost $30 billion in damage as a result of the war — with nearly half of that due to destruction of homes. The war has displaced an estimated 90% of Gaza’s population, and since a ceasefire took effect last month, many displaced Palestinians have returned to find their former homes in ruins.

The report said Gaza would require about $20 billion for recovery and reconstruction needs over the next three years.

It says an additional $33 billion will be needed in the long term, including funds to rebuild the territory’s social and health services and the battered economy.