Kabylia leaders reiterate call for self-determination as Algeria takes UN Security Council presidency

Head of the Kabylia independence movement (MAK) Ferhat Mhenni wrote to the representative of Algeria at the UN in New York, whose country is assuming the rotating presidency of the security council, asking for the Kabyle people’s right to self-determination and independence to be listed on the agenda.

In a letter to Algeria’s Ammar Benjamaa, Mhenni called on Algeria to add on the agenda the Kabyle right to self-determination which it has been repressing for long.

Mhenni also recalled the oppression facing peaceful self-determination activists in Kabylia who have been persecuted and tried on terrorism charges.

So far, 13,000 Kabyle independence activists are behind bars, enduring degrading treatment, including rape and torture, he said.

At least, 38 Kabyles are facing death sentences for fabricated accusations, as the regime continues oppressing the Kabyles, he said.

He also recalled the wildfires of 2021, in which the regime acted as an arsonist to burn the Kabylia region, while accusing the MAK of being the perpetrator, he said, adding that this practice is part of the “zero Kabyle” genocidal approach of a military regime bent on pushing the MAK to take arms.

Mhenni insisted that the MAK will remain a peaceful movement and will not fall into the Algerian trap.