TUNIS: Viral TikTok videos showing seven Algerians teenagers arriving by boat in Spain have sparked debate over rising youth migration in a country where half the population is estimated to be under 30.
The clips, originating in early September, show the teens cutting across the sea in a small recreational boat, with one video drawing 3.4 million views.
Another shows one of the boys, the youngest of whom was said to be just 14, patting the motor as a self-appointed captain shouted: “Spain!“
Many in Algeria have blamed their parents for allowing the trip, while others see an example of an issue long fueled by a lack of opportunities in the country and endemic corruption.
One of the teens, identifying himself on TikTok as “Ouais Belkif,” later went live on the app to field questions from viewers about their voyage.
