appel à une stratégie alliant dissuasion sécuritaire et développement
Summary of the Parliamentary Day on Algeria’s Approach to Combat Terrorism and Organized Crime
On a recent parliamentary day held in Algiers, participants gathered to discuss Algeria’s strategy in combating terrorism and organized crime. This event was organized by the National People’s Assembly (APN) to commemorate the 63rd anniversary of the Victory Day, which marks Algeria’s independence from colonial rule on March 19, 1962. The overarching sentiment among the attendees was the urgent need to combine security measures with socio-economic development to effectively address the threats posed by terrorism and organized crime.
Key Recommendations:
-
Integrating Socioeconomic Development: Participants emphasized that enhancing the socio-economic framework is essential in conjunction with security measures to combat terrorism and organized crime. They suggested a robust development strategy, particularly focusing on border regions that are often the most susceptible to these challenges.
-
Addressing Human Trafficking and Illegal Migration: The discussions revealed a consensus on the necessity of establishing new mechanisms to combat human trafficking and illegal migration. These activities are regarded as significant contributors to organized crime. Consequently, participants called for the drafting of a new law targeting illegal migration and fostering better coordination with neighboring countries, particularly those from the Sahel region, to proactively explore solutions to mitigate the sources of terrorism.
- Monitoring Extremist Ideologies: There was a call for careful monitoring of extremist ideologies, both separatist and religious. The need for continued national reconciliation was also highlighted, along with the importance of promoting a counter-narrative against terrorist propaganda through effective media engagement. Participants proposed creating a commemorative postage stamp symbolizing national unity and the fight against terrorism.
Interventions and Insights:
The event featured several notable interventions from key representatives, contributing diverse perspectives on the issues discussed:
-
National Defense Representation: M. Omar Mohamedi from the Ministry of National Defence outlined the initial phases of extremist thought development in Algeria during the early 1990s. He shared insights into the government’s strategies to counter these emerging threats.
-
Legal Framework Address: M. Abderrezak Bensalem from the Ministry of Justice provided an overview of Algeria’s legal and judicial framework, designed to eradicate terrorism and support victims affected by such violence.
- Youth Engagement Perspective: Richard Bo, representing the African Centre for Terrorism Studies and Research (CAERT), emphasized the importance of focusing on youth development. He pointed out how young people are often the primary targets for recruitment into terrorist and criminal organizations. Addressing their needs is crucial in preventing them from being lured into these networks.
In conclusion, the parliamentary day in Algiers served as a platform for crucial discussions on Algeria’s multi-faceted approach to tackling terrorism and organized crime. Participants unified in their call for integrated efforts that focus not only on security but also on extensive socioeconomic development, further illustrating Algeria’s commitment to ensuring national security while fostering a conducive environment for growth and stability. The recommendations outlined during this event reflect a holistic view, recognizing that lasting peace and security require addressing the root causes of violence and providing opportunities, especially for the youth.
