The movement for the self-determination of Kabylia has expressed its concerns over the growing arms supply of Algeria. In a letter addressed to Marcos Rubio, Secretary of State, the movement’s American lawyer highlights the alarming rate at which Algeria is acquiring defense equipment from Russia. The letter, which has been obtained, recalls that two and a half years ago, Rubio expressed deep concern over Algeria’s defense acquisitions from Russia and called for sanctions.
Since then, the situation has worsened, with Algeria’s defense budget now being the largest in Africa, totaling $25,000 million by 2025. This is more than triple the $7,000 million that was previously a cause for concern. Algeria’s continued acquisition of Russian weapons is intensifying the arms race with Morocco, a long-standing ally of the United States, and increasing the possibility of war between the two rivals. The lawyer also notes that Algeria and Cuba have worked together for decades to destabilize the Sahara region, supporting the Polisario Front and other terrorist groups in North Africa and the Sahel.
In recent years, a significant political development has emerged in North Africa, with the movement for the self-determination of the Kabylia (MAK) and the Government of the Kabylia in exile (Anavad) gaining prominence. Anavad and MAK are the primary opponents of the Algerian authoritarian regime and enjoy growing support from millions of Kabylias in the country and abroad. A recent legal opinion issued by two British lawyers ruled that the Kabylio people are a “people” in the sense of international law and the Charter of the United Nations, and that they have the human right to self-determination. The MAK continues to peacefully advocate for its repressed people, pushing for the establishment of a pluralistic and democratic state, unlike the antidemocratic and demagogic military-religious oligarchy of Algeria.
Anavad is committed to democratic values, such as free elections, freedom of expression, and freedom of religion, and the defense of a constitution based largely on the Constitution of the United States. On behalf of Ferhat Mehenni, president of Anavad, the lawyer requests a meeting to discuss ways to exercise pressure on Algeria to end its human rights abuses, address the legitimate claims of the Kabylio people, and explore how Kabylia can work with the United States to stabilize Africa and promote democratic principles and prosperity. The letter is signed by Elisabeth R. Myers.