Algerian and Nigerien security experts have discussed borders threats and the danger posed by extremist groups to the security of both countries.
Terrorism comes in many forms and includes smuggling groups, illegal arms trafficking, drug and psychotropic drugs and illegal immigration, Algerian Interior Minister Kamel Beldjoud said at a meeting for the Algerian-Nigerian border commission in Algiers.
He called for greater cooperation and coordination to counter terrorist activities in the region, including reinforcing border crossings.
Illegal immigration “has become a form of transnational organized crime carried out by criminal networks involved in human trafficking,” the Algerian News Agency quoted Beldjoud as saying.
These networks cooperate with terrorist groups to expand their influence in the region, he added, stressing that “securing the Algerian-Nigerien border is a joint responsibility, on which bilateral cooperation should focus.”
He pointed out that Algeria has become a destination for dozens of illegal migrants from 46 African countries and some non-African countries.
Algiers has been keen to use all necessary means to manage the continuous flows of these migrants, ensure they are treated humanely and return them to their homelands with dignity and in accordance with international norms and charters, Beldjoud explained.
The African country had deported in the last two years thousands of illegal migrants, most of whom are from Niger.
However, human rights organizations have denounced the “inhumane” conditions in which the mass deportations have taken place. They have also criticized the rejection of asylum applications submitted by many immigrants to Algeria.
