This article was first published on the website of The Guardian on April 29, 2022.
At 7am on a clear day in Algiers, Nouara looks out of her window to the narrow street below that leads to the market, and declares: "I can't stand living here any more." Nouara, 65, wants nothing more than to leave her country, and is now considering boarding one of the boats that carry migrants on the often deadly crossing over the Mediterranean to Spain. "I've lost the tiny hope I had in this country," she says.
According to the Spanish authorities, at least 10,000 Algerians reached the Spanish coast this way between January and December 2021 – 20% higher than the previous year. Most depart from the western coast, from cities including Oran, Chlef and Maghnia, mainly in summer when the sea is calmer. The shortest distance between Algeria and the Spanish coast – Oran to Almeria – is 150km (90 miles).
A crossing takes from three hours to three days
Smugglers charge between €2,000 (£1,670) and €7,000 for one person. The higher the price, the bigger the engine and quicker the crossing, which can take from three hours to three days.
"His attendance would give the conference a new dimension," says Zoulikha. "The previous meetings were mainly addressed to civil society and authorities. A face-to-face dialogue between officials and youths might lead to practical and tangible solutions."