More than 34,000 deportations consolidate the Algeria–Niger border as one of Africa's deadliest migration routes

1. Assamaka and the increase in deportations in 2025
2. Methods of expulsion from Algeria to Niger
3. Profile of deportees and access to asylum
4. Humanitarian pressure on Niger and the town of Assamaka
   • Transit centres and support for affected families
5. Consequences reported in 2025 and context in Niger

Assamaka and the increase in deportations in 2025

The town of Assamaka, located in northern Niger, has undergone a remarkable change in 2025, becoming a major point of forced arrival for migrants deported from Algeria. 

Data from Alarm Phone Sahara indicates that more than 34,000 people were expelled from this border throughout the year. In many cases, the conditions under which this took place were so extreme that humanitarian organisations considered them dangerous and inhumane. 

Methods of expulsion from Algeria to Niger

These deportations occur in two ways. One is by official convoys, escorted by Algerian security forces. The other is through unregistered practices, where migrants are left at Point Zero, a desert area several kilometres from the nearest town. 

From that point, people (men, women and children) must walk in temperatures exceeding 40 degrees, with little access to safe water, food or health services. This is an established expulsion scheme. Algeria claims that its migration control operations are within its legal framework, but the data we have collected indicates that expulsions are systematic and large-scale. 

Profile of deportees and access to asylum

Most of the deportees, who came from countries such as Nigeria, Guinea, Mali and Cameroon in West and Central Africa, were often not formally identified and did not have the opportunity to access asylum procedures. 

Human rights organisations often point out that this approach violates some basic principles of international law, such as the principle of non-refoulement, particularly when it comes to people who could be refugees or who are seeking international protection. In practice, Niger acts as a barrier without having the necessary resources to manage the continuous influx of people abandoned on its territory. 

Humanitarian pressure on Niger and the town of Assamaka

The humanitarian impact in Niger is a matter of concern that demands attention. People there are experiencing difficult situations and need support. It is essential that we focus on how we can offer help to those in this situation. Assamaka, a town of just a few thousand people, has been completely overwhelmed, and the authorities are looking for ways to help all residents. 

The situation has changed the lives of many families who need constant support. 

Transit centres and support for affected families

The transit centres run by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and local NGOs are already operating at well above their capacity. 

In 2025, deaths were reported as a result of deportations, as well as an increase in cases of severe dehydration, physical violence and family separation. 

Consequences reported in 2025 and context in Niger

The situation is complicated by the political and economic context in Niger, which is one of the poorest countries in the world and is now suffering from regional instability and international sanctions. 

In 2025, deaths were reported as a result of deportations, as well as an increase in incidents of severe dehydration, physical violence and family separation. The situation is complicated by the political and economic context in Niger, which is one of the poorest countries in the world and is now suffering from regional instability and international sanctions.