Washington disavows the Algerian regime and accuses it of fighting the MAK for political considerations more than for “anti-terrorist” concerns

Rachid Maboudi
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23:46 – December 19, 2024

The Algerian authorities have, once again, confirmed in 2023 their decision to classify the Movement for the Self-Determination of Kabylie (MAK) among the terrorist organizations. This movement, founded in 2001 and campaigning for the independence of the Kabyle region, is accused by Algiers of undermining national security and stability, accusations that have never been established.

If Algeria claims that this designation is justified by security imperatives, the international community, starting with the United States, remains skeptical. According to Washington, according to the annual report of its diplomacy (2024) which devotes a long chapter to Algeria, the maintenance of this classification “seems more motivated by political considerations than by concerns strictly linked to the fight against terrorism.” Indeed, no act attributed to the MAK meets the international definition of terrorism, as adopted by the United States.

The fight against the MAK is part of a broader strategy of the Algerian state intended to repress political movements opposed to the regime in place. Observers, notably international human rights organizations, denounce the abusive use of anti-terrorism laws to limit freedoms of expression and assembly. In 2023 and 2024, these criticisms increased, as Algiers adopted new, even more restrictive legal provisions as part of its declared fight against terrorism.

The MAK, led by Ferhat Mehenni, continues to peacefully demand autonomy, even independence, for Kabylia, a historically rebellious region marked by a specific cultural and linguistic identity. However, Algiers regularly accuses him of fomenting unrest and receiving external support, allegations that the movement rejects en bloc.

The use of anti-terrorism laws to target groups like the MAK raises questions about the border between anti-terrorism and political repression in Algeria, the European Union had stressed. Growing tensions between the authorities and opposition movements cast doubt on the true objectives of these measures, according to deputies in Brussels.