Algerian authorities arrest group members linked to Kabylie

Algerian authorities announced the dismantling of a six-person “criminal group” in Tizi Ouzou on the 13th of July, which they declared was linked to the Movement for Self-Determination of Kabylie (MAK). According to La Minute Arabe, the group consisted of 2 Algerians and 4 Moroccans who entered the country illegally.

The suspects are accused by Algerian authorities of being active in the region during the last parliamentary elections on July 2nd, with the goal of “disrupting the proper conduct” of the vote and “preventing citizens from taking part”. The recent elections showed a wide distrust or disillusionment in politics among the Algerian people, as the turnout stood at about 21 per cent, the lowest in Algerian history. The majority party, the National Liberal Front, had hoped for a higher turnout than the last elections, which stood at 23 per cent, for a show of legitimacy. The elections were particulalry stained by a barring of many political figures and activists under a very contested Article 200, enabling a particulalry easy barring of the opposition. 

The MAK, led by Frehat Mehenni based in France, acts for the independence of Kabylie, even though there is little indication from the people of the region that they seek one. It was designated as a terrorist organisation by the authorities in 2021, while its leaders reject Algeria’s claims and accusations, claiming non-violence. Its financing is also a mystery, with some analysts pointing the finger both at Israel and the UAE. 

Causes of self-determination have created rifts between Algeria and Morocco, as both countries mutually support independent groups that the home government considers terrorist. In 2021, Morocco’s ambassador to the United Nations, Omar Hilale, had shown support for the Kabyle region’s right to self-determination. 

Simultaneously, Algiers supports the independence of Western Sahara from Morocco, particularly by hosting the Polisario Front in its territory. The Polisario Front, considered a terrorist group by Morocco and some international states, has been fighting in Western Sahara for decades. Additionally, the Rif National Party, which advocates independence for Morocco’s Rif region, opened an office in Algiers in March 2024 and holds regular meetings and activities. 

Both countries have severed diplomatic relations and continue to support interests contrary to their neighbouring state. Further information about the identity and charges of the individuals arrested in Tizi Ouzou is unknown. 

La Minute Arabe, Maghrebi.org