The abduction of three European humanitarians in Tindouf on the Algerian territory, proves that this area has become a "real threat to the Sahel," wrote "L’Aube" which emphasizes the "strong relations" between "Polisario" and Al-Qaeda in Islamic Maghreb (AQIM).
Polisario camps, place of AQIM recruitment
Since the kidnapping authors are members of Polisario, linked to AQIM, the responsibility of Algeria is raised of this case which occurred on its territory and whose authors are under its protection, says the editor of the journal Cheickna Hamalah Sylla.
For this reporter connoisseur of security issues in the Sahel, the Polisario and Algeria have tried to muddy the waters by claiming that the kidnappers were from Mali and have returned with hostages.
"The strategy of these officials was to cover their tracks and disguise the reality around an embarrassing affair for the Algerians," he said stating that the "strangeness" of this story is that the perpetrators of the abduction would have traveled more than 5000 km, without being worried or disturbed.
Indeed, he insists, this case confirms the existence of a Saharan branch of AQIM. "For months, elements from the Polisario Front are regularly quoted in acts of terrorism and trafficking in the Sahel-Saharan Africa. The complicity between Polisario and AQIM was established. Also, the abduction of three Europeans reached at Hassi Rabouni near Tindouf, clearly the extent and strength of relations between the two organizations, "said the Malian daily.
The same source added that the Tindouf area becomes a "real threat" to security and stability of the Sahel, because of the presence of networks that have well established relays in arms trafficking, drugs and gifts offered to people by international organizations.
By accusing Mali, said the newspaper, Polisario officials actually seek to protect their Algerian protectors, who "must be uncomfortable with this case that constitutes a humiliation for them."
According to L’Aube, the three hostage-taking, comes at a time when Algeria claims to form the security lock for the Sahel-Saharan Africa. Mali has always been presented as the weak link. Tindouf abduction restored the facts, said the same source.