As part of the implementation of multilateral military cooperation activities under the “5+5 Defense” Initiative for the year 2025, approved by the Ministers of Defense of the state’s member, the National Gendarmerie Command organized an international forum on “Drought and Its Impact on illegal Migration,” on May 20^th and 21^st , 2025, at the National Army Club in Beni Messous, Algiers
    The forum was officially opened by the Brigadier General, Commander of the Border Guard Units of the National Gendarmerie, on behalf of the General, Minister Delegate to the Minister of National Defense, Chief of Staff of the People’s National Army, where he emphasized Algeria’s positive engagement with all bilateral and multilateral initiatives that contribute to the security and stability of the region, particularly those addressing illegal migration and its associated criminal activities. He also underlined the importance of joint efforts and mutual coordination between the initiative’s states members to ensure their collective security and stability.
    National and international experts and researchers participating in the forum discussed the issue of drought in the Sahel region and its direct impact on the increasing rate of illegal migration. They highlighted how organized criminal networks exploit the harsh living conditions of migrants to recruit them into cross border criminal activities. The participants stressed the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of the phenomenon, including security crises, climate change, and lack of development.
    The forum also provided an opportunity to present trough experiences of both national and foreign experts to identify the most recent legislative and procedural mechanisms adopted to combat this phenomenon, as well as the obstacles hindering the effective implementation of international coordination and cooperation frameworks, while acknowledging the states member efforts in providing humanitarian assistance to illegal migrants and supporting development in countries of origin.