Algeria to unveil streamlined military mobilisation bill
A bill streaming the process of military mobilisation in Algeria is set to be announced by the Minister for Justice next week after gaining the support of government ministers.
The bill, as reported by AP on April 30th, aims “to define the provisions for organising, preparing and carrying out the general mobilisation provided for in Article 99 of the Constitution,” and therefore authorising the mobilisation of all of the nations forces.
Algeria has been facing multiple external pressures over recent years and escheating tensions with neighbouring Mali to the south have led to fears of military engagement.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) stated it’s “deep concern” over growing tensions after Algeria downed a military drone from Mali over Tin Zaouatine, a border town that is a stronghold for the Tuareg separatist group in Mali.
In the wake of the strike, ECOWAS appealed for both Algeria and Mali to try to “de-escalate the tension, foster dialogue and use regional and continental mechanisms to settle differences.”
However, Algeria’s plans to streamline the process of military mobilisation show little sign of intention to deescalate and the decision has led to some confusion and worry amongst the population.
Aziza Sahoui, a retired teacher, took to social media to write that: “I did not understand what’s behind this project. I’m really worried, especially as it comes after the incursion of a Malian drone into our territory.”
Algeria has suffered a geopolitically tumultuous couple of years after tensions have risen with Morocco and their former colonial ruler France over the issue of Western Saharan sovereignty.
As Maghrebi journalist Alastair Tibbs writes, Algeria looks isolated and vulnerable as Morocco gains greater support for their claims to sovereignty over the Western Saharan region.
The issue has caused relations with France to sour and has left Algeria more vulnerable to international threats, potentially a further reason for the decision to now streamline the process of military mobilisation.
AP, Maghrebi
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