Bedoui: “Foreign networks behind human trafficking in southern Algeria”

The Minister of the Interior and Local Assemblies, Noureddine Bedoui, announced the dismantling of a network of trafficking of children at the level of Tamanrasset province in southern Algeria, after thorough investigations conducted by the local security services stressing that this smashed trafficking ring was led by foreigners and not by Algerians.

The Minister further affirmed Thursday in Algiers that over 17,000 Nigerian illegal immigrants were repatriated until now “voluntarily” announcing the upcoming launch of a repatriation operation which will involve Senegalese and Guinean nationals who had entered the national territory illegally.

The minister was answering a question from an MP at the National People’s Assembly on the recent violent incidents involving African nationals in Bechar (south-western Algeria)  who clashed with  local residents by indicating to this effect  that 17,016 Niger nationals, 580 Chadians and 550 Malians had been repatriated up to now, as part of an operation launched two years ago.

1,492 Senegalese illegal immigrants and 370 other Guinean nationals will be repatriated soon at the request of their own countries, the minister said, adding that his ministry was finalizing procedures for this ongoing repatriation, process.

Mr. Bedoui reassured that African nationals present in the country were subject to ongoing monitoring by the provincial security committees.

“Everyone found guilty of an act that disrupts public order is punishable in accordance with the law,” he argued citing steps taken against those involved in the Bechar incidents.

Illegal immigration is a source of concern for Algeria and requires joint efforts at regional and international levels to identify mechanisms for the spurring of development in the countries of origin based on the implementation of effective policies rather than on an ad-hoc aid, considered Mr. Bedoui.

He further recalled that Algeria, in order to safeguard the country and protect the health of its citizens, has set up early-warning systems for infectious diseases that pose a threat to public health.