Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM): Implications for Algeria’s Regional and International Relations

Rebranded in 2007, Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) is the latest incarnation of Algerian radical Islamism. Initially focused on attacks with great political resonance against Algerian governmental and military targets, the group has progressively shifted its priorities, alongside its geographical and operational features. In the past few years, the countries of the Sahel [...]

Algerian Senate confirms lifting of emergency rule

The Algerian Council of the Nation (Senate) adopted unanimously President Bouteflika’s order to lift the state of emergency, which announced the official end of a situation that existed since 1992 to fight Islamist violence. Two other orders that were previously adopted by the National People’s Congress (ANP Chamber of Deputies), were adopted as well. The [...]

UN Movie about repentant terrorists from Algeria

This brief 10 minute  film examines the experiences of an Algerian fighter and the factors that influenced him to disavow the use of violence and reenter “mainstream” society. The documentary series was developed by the UN as part of an effort to assist member states in taking action to counter violent extremism by providing a [...]

Algeria to debate scrapping emergency powers

(Reuters) – Pro-government members of Algeria’s parliament have proposed lifting a 19-year-old state of emergency, a sign the authorities may consider scrapping a measure opponents say is used to stifle political freedom. Opposition groups inspired by protests in Tunisia and Egypt have made the repeal of the state of emergency one of their main demands [...]

Britain, Algeria boost counter-terrorism strategy

Britain and Algeria will step up cooperation on security with the creation of a committee on counter-terrorism, a British minister said last week. “We face a common threat from Al-Qaeda and in order to counter this there is a need for the nations to work more effectively together…,” said Alistair Burt, the British Foreign Office [...]

Algeria to arm civilians to fight terror

The interior minister has reportedly said that Algeria will resume a policy of arming people to reinforce the fight against terrorism in the north African country. Dahou Ould Kablia says the government would honor a request of some civilians in insecure areas for weapons “to fight against terrorism.” He didn’t specify which people would be [...]

The EU as a counter-terrorism actor abroad

This paper by the EPC looks at thehandling of counter-terrorism in the ensemble of EU external relations and assistance vis-à-vis five countries of recognised importance for European interests: Algeria, Morocco, Yemen, Pakistan, and Indonesia.

North African spy chiefs set up joint intelligence centre

Last Wednesday the heads of intelligence services of four Northern African countries (Algeria, Niger, Mauritania, and Mali) have set up a joint intelligence agency which aims to collect information on terrorist activities and make them available to their joint military operations center based in Tamanrasset in the Sahel. Other countries including Burkina Faso, Chad, and [...]

Nowak and Scheinin urge US to ensure no forcible return of Guantanamo detainees

The UN Special Rapporteurs on Torture, Manfred Nowak, and on the Protection of Human Rights while Countering Terrorism, Martin Scheinin, have called on the US Government to ensure that it does not forcibly return anyone to another State where the person could be subject to torture. While welcoming US efforts to close Guantanamo Bay detention [...]

Research paper: “Could Al-Qaeda Turn African in the Sahel?”

Jean-Pierre Filiu (Professor at Sciences Po, Middle East department) has written a paper for Carnegie Endowment for International Peace entitled “Could Al-Qaeda Turn African in the Sahel?”. Here’s the summary: Since its founding in January 2007, al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) has continued the jihadi fight begun by its predecessor, the Salafist Group for [...]