New Algerian president facing al-Qaeda as a top challenge

Mohamed Abdel Ghaffar

Security and stability are key factors for any ruling regime in countries seeking progress to lure investment inflows. These two factors should be accomplished to achieve economic results aimed at the satisfaction of citizens.

The very same applies to Algerian President Abdul Majeed Tabun, who won 58% of votes as the election committee announced on Dec. 13. Tabun is seeking to save his nation from the current political and economic turmoil, which hit Algeria after former president Abdelaziz Bouteflika resigned on April 2 following massive public protests.

Al-Qaeda in the Maghreb region considers Algeria a top priority as the North African country is the birthplace of the Salafi jihadist organization.

The CIA and other international security agencies deem Algeria as one of the countries, where al Qaeda and ISIS are most active.

Al-Qaeda has sought to be at the spot. Abu Obaida Yusuf al-Annabi, leader of al-Qaeda’s north and west African franchise, al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (Aqim), told France 24 that al-Qaeda has been active in the Algerian protests.

Al-Qaeda also released a number of statements during the Algerian elections, claiming that the polls lacked what it called “honest competition”.

By supporting the public rallies, a-Qaeda wants to gain ground in the Algerian street and that puts the new president in a tough confrontation with the terrorist group.