As borders between African states are closed due to the Corona crisis, deportations and pushbacks continue and thousands of migrants and refugees are stranded in transit countries such as Niger. Protests arise while people complain about bad living conditions inside camps and mismanagement by the IOM.
In Arlit, around 640 people, mostly migrants deported from Algeria, are currently stranded in the IOM transit camp. On 20th of April, people protested and revolted against the unbearable conditions in which they are currently living.
©Fatma Ben Hamad, "Obesrvateurs France 24"
Alarme Phone Sahara, together with Afrique-Europe Interact, supports the struggle for the liberation of the representatives of the Nigerien civil society arrested after a demonstration against corruption and bad governance on 15th of March 2020 in Niamey, capital of Niger.
Send support letters to demand freedom for Moussa Tchangari, Mounkaila Halidou, Sani Chekaraou, Moudy Moussa, Habibou Soumaila and Maikoul Zodi!
The situation in the face of the Corona crisis also produces new challenges and plights for people on the flight- and migration routes in Niger, as borders are shut down and a signifficant number of people remain blocked at IOM and UNHCR camps and transit centres.
© Info Migrants
Galius Moumouni Efouad was deported from Algeria to the border of Niger near Assamaka, put in quarantine and then brought to the IOM transit centre in Arlit.
Reflections by Mokamit on the implications of the Corona crisis for the society in Niger and how the crisis is used for political gains of those in power.
Practices of active solidarity, which should not be forgotten even in times when the corona crisis seems to overshadow everything:
On 12th and 13th of March 2020, 38 persons were rescued with the assistance of an Alarme Phone Sahara team near the Mafrouss well in the desert near the border between Niger and Libya.
Intensified migrant hunting campaign announced in Algeria
©Louiza Ammi/Liberté
Protest in the face of massive police repression
Deportation convoys and "humanitarian" deportation charter
Photo source: middleeastmonitor.com