Algeria turns its back on African refugees in Ramadan

The Algerian solidarity ministry and the Red Crescent did not keep its promises to host African refugees during the fasting month of Ramadan as they were seen taking Iftar in streets and mosques.

According to a report from the Algerian interior ministry, those African families come from Mali and Niger. They practice fasting which is an Islamic ritual. They are seen in streets and towns begging people for money.

Some Rahma (Compassion) restaurants offer them hot meals while others refuse to receive them fearing of contagious diseases.

Authorities have failed so far to offer shelters to the African refuges and provide them with health and social care. Because of that, they are exploited in crimes.

The Algerian solidarity minister Mounia Meslem said some African refugees do not want to go to charity centers and prefer to stay in the streets begging people. Yet, a large number of African families want to stay in charity centers to be protected.

President of the Algerian Red Crescent Said Benhbiles did not want to give the address of compassion restaurants which receive African refugees. She said she does not want their case to be exploited for media purposes.

“No restaurant was opened to receive those people in Algiers. Some restaurants were opened in borders area,” she told Echorouk on the phone.

There are more than 10,000 African refugees in the capital.