Algeria’s Double Standards: From Claims of Mediation to Fostering Chaos
Algeria, a country notorious for its dual political rhetoric, is increasingly resembling the tale of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Publicly, it presents itself as a respectable mediator committed to the principle of “non-interference in the internal affairs of states.” Behind the scenes, however, troubling practices emerge—covert interventions, support for armed groups, and efforts to destabilize neighboring countries and even distant nations like Turkey and Mali.
Mali: A Peace Mediator or a Terrorism Sponsor?
Sefrou Press
Under the guise of mediating in northern Mali, Algeria faces accusations of supporting terrorist groups that threaten the country’s stability. In recent statements, Bamako strongly responded to Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf, who downplayed the severity of armed groups and refused to label them as terrorists, further escalating tensions between the two nations.
Mali’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a sharp statement accusing Algeria of providing support and shelter to terrorist groups, describing Algeria’s actions as “paternalistic and condescending.” The statement urged Algeria to focus on resolving its internal crises, including the Kabyle issue.
Turkey and a New Dimension to the Crisis
On another front, Algeria’s hosting of Kurdish separatist elements has angered Turkey. Strong remarks from ruling party members in Ankara labeled Algeria an unreliable partner, particularly after images emerged from Tindouf camps showing cooperation between Kurdish separatists and the Polisario Front.
Algeria’s response came through its ambassador in Ankara, who denied the allegations and reiterated Algeria’s familiar rhetoric of non-intervention. However, serious questions remain about how these groups accessed Tindouf, given Algeria’s strict visa requirements.
France: Another Chapter of Strife
Algerian-French relations have also soured, especially after Paris supported Morocco’s autonomy initiative for the Sahara. Controversial issues like the deportation of Algerian influencers over hate speech and allegations of political propaganda in some mosques have further fueled tensions.
Algeria is also accused of exploiting its diaspora in France as a political tool, using narratives of victimhood and colonialism to justify its international behavior. This starkly contrasts with its official claims of neutrality and non-interference.
Algeria’s Contradictory Strategy
Algeria’s foreign policy, often described as a “pyromaniac firefighter strategy,” risks deepening its regional and international isolation. Behind its public “Dr. Jekyll” facade and its covert “Mr. Hyde” agenda, Algeria continues to gamble on exporting its internal crises through external interventions lacking credibility and responsibility.
