Since the beginning of the year, the IOM has already conducted "18 rescue operations" at the Algerian border. By AFPMore by this AuthorABIDJAN,Around 1,500 economic migrants have been taken from Algeria to Niger in recent days by the UN's migration agency, its Niamey chief said on Thursday. The economic migrants were either stranded in the middle of the desert at Assamaka — in Niger next to the Algeria border — after being turned back at the frontier or were deported forcibly after entering the country. They are now being cared for in Agadez by IOM who have provided tents, food and care, according to Loprete. Since the beginning of the year, the IOM has already conducted "18 rescue operations" at the Algerian border, and taken back "3,000 people," Loprete said.

Source: Daily Nation May 04, 2018 05:59 UTC