Al-Qaeda Attempts to Woo Unemployed Protesters in Algeria
In the vulnerable southern regions of Algeria, where unemployment rates are soaring, the Committee for the Defense of Unemployed Rights is fighting to keep al-Qaeda from taking advantage of impoverished populations, writes Kaci Racelma.
In the wake of unemployed-worker protests in the south of Algeria — initiated by the National Committee for the Defense of the Unemployed — al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb strategists are trying to somehow take advantage of the movement and garner sympathy from protesters. However, al-Qaeda’s effort appears to be almost a lost cause because of the unemployed movement’s clear condemnation [of the terrorist organization].
The unemployed defend a cause that comes exclusively from the socioeconomic conditions they have been living under. This is a principle that has nothing to do with the foundations of the ever-looming terrorist firestorm, oriented much more toward jihad and violence. “We, the unemployed of the south, have nothing to do with al-Qaeda or other armed groups, as we are a pacifist movement,” said Taher Belabes, a spokesman for the unemployed, in a statement made public [last] week.
Unemployed workers in southern Algeria have fought for several years to improve their living conditions, beginning with the creation of job opportunities They organized popular marches throughout the month of March to make their voices heard by Algerian authorities.
