Bendjama: Algeria Offers Its Expertise in Counter-Terrorism to African Nations

Algeria has placed a strong emphasis on counter-terrorism efforts across the African continent and is eager to share its experience in this domain, stated Amar Bendjama, Algeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, during a press conference in New York on Thursday.

“As an African nation, Algeria, and in solidarity with its African brothers and sisters, wish to share its experience on how to overcome terrorism,” Bendjama affirmed while discussing the Security Council’s work program, which Algeria is presiding over this January.

“While Algeria has successfully defeated terrorism within its own borders, it continues to pose a threat elsewhere,” he noted, expressing the country’s readiness to assist other African nations by sharing its counter-terrorism experience, all while respecting the unique context of each nation.

He also highlighted that President Abdelmadjid Tebboune serves as the Coordinator of the African Union (AU) for counter-terrorism and violent extremism initiatives. “Algeria will humbly yet resolutely offer its experience to friendly nations, particularly those in Africa,” he emphasized.

On January 21, Algeria plans to convene a high-level meeting on counter-terrorism in Africa, which will be chaired by Ahmed Attaf, Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad, and African Affairs.

When asked about the situation in Libya, the diplomat expressed Algeria’s “deep concern” regarding the ongoing crisis in the country, attributing it primarily to foreign interventions.

“These interventions must cease,” he asserted, reiterating Algeria’s support for UN efforts to resolve the Libyan crisis. He called for a political process led by Libyans themselves to establish conditions for “transparent” and “inclusive” elections, describing the implementation of a reconciliation process in Libya as “vital.”

Algeria Plans to Call for a Meeting to Support UNRWA

In response to a question regarding the threats facing the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), Bendjama indicated that Algeria intends to call for a meeting later this month to discuss the agency’s situation.

“We hope that we will reach a consensus that will authorize

UNRWA to continue its work on behalf of the General Assembly

and the UN in favor of the Palestinian people,” he stated. “For Algeria, UNRWA is irrepressible and should continue to work and to fulfill its mandate,” he stressed.

The diplomat seized the opportunity to advocate for increased efforts to end the Zionist colonization policy, urging the international community to take action in favor of the Palestinian people, who are suffering severe atrocities.

Regarding Western Sahara, he clarified that it remains a priority decolonization issue for both Algeria and Africa, as well as for the UN.

He mentioned a scheduled meeting at the UN in April concerning the Sahrawi question. “As a member of the international community and the Security Council, Algeria will participate in this meeting and advocate for the implementation of a peaceful solution aligned with UN Resolution 1514, which addresses the declaration on granting independence to colonial countries and peoples, as well as the aspirations of the Sahrawi people and their right to self-determination,” he concluded.

“Three months ago, the Security Council renewed the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Organization of a Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), and this mandate will remain in effect until its expiration.

“We do not plan to revisit this issue unless new developments change the situation,” he concluded.”