The inhabitants did not discuss these constructions supposed to prevent young people from leaving for Europe. Especially since exile candidates have been taking the sea from more discreet places than the city beaches.
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They appeared in February. Concrete panels over two meters high installed on the coast of Oran, the second largest city in Algeria (west). Since then, the inhabitants of Ain El-Turck (called “Laayoune” by the Oranais), a sub-prefecture composed of several seaside communes located 15 km west of the city, did not loosen. “We had nature to make one’s mind, but even this is confiscated!”, Is a trader from Trouville, a residential area.
Like him, the residents must now go through narrow openings to lower the stairs that lead to the sandbank. Only the “doors” and some “portholes” reveal the Mediterranean Sea to the walkers still rare of this month of March.
For several weeks, doubt has hovered about the reason for installing these walls erected by a public construction company at the entrance of certain beaches. Workers, interviewed by the local press, suggested that the work aimed to hinder clandestine emigration by the sea.
Sunday, March 13, a statement by Oran’s Wali (Prefect) ended the rumors. “This decision has not been taken by one person but by the Wilaya Security Commission in the general interest,” said Saïd Sayoud. “The situation has arrived at an unacceptable point, especially on the western side of the wilaya,” he added, taking the witness the journalists: “You know that departures decreased by 70% and it’s not just Thanks to the barriers, but also the efforts of the security services and actors of civil society, “said the manager.
Alternative Solutions
The west coast of the country are a privileged starting point by the “Harragas”, the candidates for the paperless exile to Europe, for their proximity to the south of Spain. According to the European Border Guard and Côte Frontex Agency, just over 18,000 illegal entries, mostly Algerian nationals – followed by Moroccans – have been recorded in 2021 via the West Mediterranean route.
“Now, powerful boats make it possible to cross it in two hours. The prices reach 800,000 dinars go for a place [about 5 100 euros]. The smuggling transport the Harragas and, back, they do not come back to empty but with drugs, “says Abdelkader Zouit.
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