The International Organization for Migration (IMO) confirmed that it has saved 1000 Sub-Saharan migrants abandoned by Algerian authorities in the desert in harsh conditions. Radio France Internationale reported that IMO continues to save migrants in Algeria’s desert border while Algerian authorities are conducting a manhunt for migrants with the arrest of hundreds of Sub-Saharans who were later sent to the Zeralda prison in Algiers suburbs. RFI added that Algeria is preparing for the deportation of nearly 3000 migrants, including asylum seekers and people in need of international protection. Rounding up migrants across Algeria and deporting them without giving them an opportunity to challenge their expulsion has been denounced by multiple human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International. Civil society associations in Guinea, Gabon and Niger have urged the African Union to put the issue of the human rights violations by Algerian authorities against Sub-Saharan migrants on the agenda.

Source: The North Africa Journal February 13, 2018 17:26 UTC