Algeria’s foreign minister tacitly acknowledges his country’s repression

Algeria’s foreign minister Ahmed Attaf alluded that the absence of pro-Palestinian protests in his country was due to a lack of “culture of protests” inherent to “longstanding democracies.”

This came in a podcast on Aljazeera while answering a question on the mismatch between pro-Palestinian rhetoric and the lack of popular expressions of support for Palestine.

He could have better answered, though, by saying that the regime is banning protests fearful that any pro-Palestinian march could derail into protests for better economic, political, and social conditions in the oil and gas rich country where poverty and unemployment are rampant.

In a country held by a military firm grip, the return of pro-democracy protests known as the Hirak which toppled long-ruling Bouteflika in 2019 is still in the horizon, due to the presence of combustible material: inflation, authoritarian rule, corruption, and lack of economic prospects for the disenchanted youth.

Dodging honest answers, Attaf stumbled while answering sensitive questions including on the role of his country in perpetuating the Sahara conflict through its military and political support for the Polisario separatists.

Faithful to fake news tactics, Attaf mocked himself and his country’s diplomacy when he said Algeria returned its ambassador to Madrid after Spain changed its position on the Sahara issue in line with the EU position in support of the UN efforts.

Just few days ago, Spanish foreign minister Albares said there was no change in Spain’s position which remains consistent with Sanchez declaration of 2022, which recognizes the autonomy plan as “the sole” solution to the Sahara issue.

Attaf indirectly acknowledged Morocco’s inroads on the Sahara issue, against the backdrop of rising African support.

He mentioned in particular the importance of Royal diplomacy and King’s trips to African capitals as well as the large-scale investments.

He downplayed these achievements saying the MINURSO is still in the territory. Yet, he failed to mention that the UN Security Council resolutions call for realigning the role of the mission to be limited to ceasefire monitoring. Had there been no Algerian instigation of the Polisario, the MINURSO would be irrelevant.

Algeria, which allows the Polisario to use its territory to attack Morocco and breach the ceasefire, is ironically “the most inclined” party to mend ties with Rabat, according to Attaf.

He spoke in support of the Maghreb Arab Union. But soon after, Secretary General of the Union Taib Bakkouch issued a statement reiterating his call on Algeria to return its staff to the Rabat-based headquarters of the Secretariat General of the regional grouping and pay its due financial contributions.