Several thousand Malian Tuaregs, predominantly from the Daoussak community, were compelled to return to Mali from Algeria on Monday, French national radio RFI reported earlier this week.
The expulsion primarily affects those who recently fled to Algeria due to the arrival of the Malian army in the Kidal region and those escaping violence from the Islamic State in the Menaka region.
Algerian forces issued an ultimatum to the Tuaregs on Sunday, demanding they leave the area or face the destruction of their belongings. Reports from local security, civilian, and humanitarian sources indicate that families living in eastern Tin Zaouanite hurriedly crossed the river into Mali on Monday.
They traveled by foot throughout the desert, accompanied by women and children, transporting essential belongings such as clothing and blankets, RFI said.
The expulsion targets specific individuals in response to previous disturbances suspected of illicit activities, including arms trafficking.
The displaced Daoussak fled a violent offensive launched by the Islamic State in March 2022, which reportedly caused nearly a thousand deaths in a year, according to local communities.
Humanitarian organizations sources indicate that tens of thousands of Malian Tuaregs remain in Algeria. They are tolerated but not officially recognized as refugees and cannot apply for asylum.
Algerian authorities seek to prevent large gatherings, and unlike the M’Bera camp in Mauritania, no official refugee camp has been set up for Malians seeking protection.
Relations between Mali and Algeria are currently strained, as Mali’s transitional authorities accuse Algeria of supporting terrorists operating in Mali.