Illegal immigration: Twelve African illegal migrants died in Algerian desert
Twelve African illegal immigrants, who tried to cross Algeria’s desert in order to reach Europe, died of thirst, two survivors were able to return to northern Mali, told AFP.
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“We left the city (Mali) from Kidal. We returned from our own way (illegally) in Algeria. Between the Algerian border and the town of Tamenrasset (South of Algeria), the truck broke down, Ahmed a well known driver who carries illegal immigrants from borders between Mali and Algeria, says.
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“Water was over and foot too. Twelve people died. Only me and a passenger were able to survive”, he adds.
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Etienne, a former student who tried to reach Europe said the persons who died are three Cameroonians, three Malians, two Ivories, two Senegalese, a Gambian and a Guinean.
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The trip from North Mali and Algeria is one of the routes frequently used by African illegal immigrants who try to reach Europe.
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On July 20, Algerian Gendarmerie forces raided a dormitory and arrested 35 people to question them. Seven of them entered Algeria illegally across borders while the others entered legally and were allowed to stay for three months before renewal. The illegal immigrants were introduced into court and put in temporary prison. Investigations show that there are secret workshops inside some houses in Batna (east of Algeria) to make African traditional dresses. The illegal immigrants are employed there to work for 12 hours in return for low salaries, shelter or food. The National Gendarmerie forces had found out workshops employing Africans inhumanely and treating them almost like slaves. Many of the African illegal immigrants enter Algeria to counterfeit money using mercury and a magic product. Batna (east of Algeria) is now an important destination for illegal immigrants coming from Morocco to work in villas decoration. Some wealthy people in the town employ them after they bring them from the province of Oran (west of Algiers).
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Illegal migration could only be controlled if more investments were put into improving the lives of the African poor; an issue that had somehow managed to elude so many development programs in the past.
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The dream of going to Europe through the desert has remained an illusion for most of the immigrants, but in spite of this, the adventurers are undeterred. Sadly, many are unable to make the journey alive.