Illegal Migration towards Algeria and Libya via Niger: A Study of Sources, Routes, and Destination Stations

Abstract

This study sheds light on the issue of illegal migration and the large flows of African migrants into Algeria and Libya via Niger. Although those migrants considered both Algeria and Libya as transit routes, they ended up settling there, creating various security challenges for the local authorities.  To explore this phenomenon, this study outlines the evolution of African migration to Algeria and Libya via Niger, presenting the various trends and trajectories of illegal migration flows towards these two countries from Niger. It also examines the various actors responsible for the large flows of migrants and the risks posed by illegal migration to Algeria and Libya. By relying on historical and statistical approaches, this study concludes that the southern regions of both Algeria and Libya, which have received large numbers of migrants, have created a new security environment as a result of the rapid expansion of migrant smuggling networks concentrated in the border areas near the three countries. This has negatively impacted both Algeria and Libya, leading to a change in the demographic structure. in light of pressure from international organizations and European Union countries, Niger must be urged to take swinging measures to constrain the large influx of illegal migrants from its territory, to enact strict laws, and to not submit to any pressures from the European Union or West African countries.