 Doubtful links between Algeria and terrorist groups in Sahel
Argentinean researcher, Adalberto Carlos Agozino, said in his new book entitled "Geopolitics of the Sahara and Sahel" that without the support of Algiers, the so-called SADR , a bankrupt entity , would have disappeared , saying that it is time for the two countries, Algeria and Morocco , to find a "realistic" solution to the Sahara issue far from "extreme" solutions.
The agreement between Morocco and Algeria, said Professor Carlos Agozino is the basic requirement. This is the starting point for any sustainable process to ensure the development and security in the region, he said.
Professor Carlos Agozino
Moreover, Algeria maintains "dark " links with terrorist organizations operating in the Sahel-Saharan region , stressed the Argentine researcher in his book published by Dosyuna Ediciones Argentinas.
Not only in Algeria where Al- Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb ( AQIM) has its roots - formerly known as the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat (GSPC) before adopting its new name , but it is also the country of origin of the main leaders of this organization, adds Carlos Agozino in his book presented at the headquarters of prestigious Argentine Council for Foreign Relations ( CARI) in Buenos Aires.
AQIM Salafists have always been a "useful" tool for Algeria to serve its geopolitical interests in the region, says the author, adding that Algiers exploits the activities of jihadists to get help and military support from the United States, especially after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 .
Algeria also uses AQIM to promote its image in the region by presenting themselves as the only state able to stop the spread of terrorism in the Sahel-Saharan region , says Professor Carlos Agozino . He believes that Algiers obstinacy excludes other regional powers such as Morocco and extra-regional actors like the European Union from the dialogue and regional cooperation to consolidate its influence in the Sahel-Saharan region.
"Distrust of Europe vis-à -vis the country has grown due to the Algiers inconsistent policy towards jihadi insurgents operating in northern Mali ," he notes , stressing the links between the Chief of " Ansar Eddine ," Iyad Al Ghali with Algerian intelligence services.
When the Tuareg rebellion broke out in 2012 , Algeria has opposed any military intervention in northern Mali , including sending a stabilization force of the Economic Community of African States, said the Argentine researcher , who believes that Algiers intelligence services have a large responsibility in the installation of Algerian jihadists in northern Mali.
Algeria has also done everything to prevent any initiative of the countries of the Arab Maghreb Union to help find a solution to the crisis in Mali, as it insisted in the past in the involvement of all parties to diplomatic negotiations including extremist group Ansar Eddine.
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