the junta uses the migratory weapon against Europe

Will a law repealed by the junta in place in Niger lead to increased immigration into the European Union? Brussels is worried.

In force since 2015, a Nigerian law made smugglers criminals. Smugglers and anyone who helped, in one way or another, migrants cross the country. Niger, particularly its northern border, near the city of Agadez, is a compulsory crossing point for asylum seekers who want to go to Europe from west Africa.

The text was drafted and adopted as part of an agreement with the European Union to stem – or at least slow down – migratory flows.

Except that the junta no longer wants it. In a simple press release on Monday evening, November 27, on television, the military announced the immediate repeal of this text. Not only is migrant smuggling no longer illegal, but the several dozen people convicted since 2015 have now been cleared. Those who were in prison will be able to get out. The text provided for penalties “from one to thirty years” And “fines of 4,500 to 45,000 euros”.

In the name of sovereignty

According to the junta, this law did not take into account “the interests of Niger and its fellow citizens“. In fact, migrant smuggling provided a livelihood for thousands of people around Agadez : smugglers, touts, transport and businesses or even banks. The junta wants to provide benefits to its population and revive the local economy. The Agadez regional council immediately welcomed a “very beneficial initiative” and on the spot, the smugglers are pleased to no longer have to take even more dangerous clandestine routes.

But above all, the military wants, in the name of regained sovereignty, to twist the arm of the Westerners. Logically with the series of decisions taken since General Tiani’s coup in July. Niger has already chased away 1,500 French soldiers and UN representatives. We remember the French ambassador holed up in his embassy before being expelled. This time Niger is using the migratory weapon. The National Council for the Safeguarding of the Fatherland explains that it is getting rid of a passed law “under the influence of foreign powers“.

Europe says it is “concerned”

Europe is obviously worried about the consequences. Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson says:very concerned“. The repeal of the law will create a draft: it means more deaths in the dangerous crossing of the desert, it also implies more candidates for exile on the Libyan coasts, the country on the other side from the border, to the North, from where boats leave for Europe.

Since January more than 150,000 migrants have arrived on Italian shores, which is already 50,000 more than in all of 2022.