Confessions from members of the MAK criminal group have revealed a plot to disrupt Algeria's legislative elections on July 2nd. The plot, originating from the Kabylie region, aimed to destabilize the nation and harm its unity. Authorities stated the group sought to serve a "Makhzen-Zionist agenda" through its actions. The disruption efforts were intended to undermine the electoral process and create unrest across the country.
Documentary Reveals Confessions
A documentary titled “The MAK Terrorist Organization.. Another Failure for its Destructive Agendas” was broadcast by national media on Saturday evening, featuring confessions from six individuals belonging to the MAK terrorist movement. These individuals were active during the legislative elections to disrupt the process, particularly in the Kabylie region. Social media platforms were reportedly used for meetings and incitement to boycott the legislative elections in the Kabylie region.
Hakim Hamama (حكيم حمامة) from Tizi Ouzou confessed details about his communication via social media applications with MAK members residing in Canada and France. Mr. Hamama utilized closed WhatsApp groups with a foreign number to incite election boycotts in Kabylie. He participated in virtual meetings with Axel Belabassi (أكسيل بلاباسي), Jamal Guiri (جمال قويري), and Azouau Ath Kaci (أزواو آث قاسي), who reside abroad. Instructions were received from MAK members, led by Ferhat Mehenni (فرحات مهني), explicitly stating to "boycott and prevent the course of this national entitlement in the Kabylie region." The Directorate of Central Army Security (المديرية المركزية لأمن الجيش) thwarted these attempts.
Foreign National Involvement
Four of the confessors were Moroccan nationals residing illegally in Algeria, according to authorities. The criminal plan extended to employing Moroccan migrants residing illegally in Algeria to supply the movement's elements with funds from Morocco. Fatih Karim, who resided in Morocco, confessed to this aspect of the plan. Mr. Karim joined a cell in Morocco with Jamal Azzaim, Zarqag El Hadi, and Axel Belabassi. This cell worked to broadcast separatist incitement posts that affect Algeria's unity, and their movements were facilitated by the Makhzen to achieve this goal, according to Mr. Azzaim, Mr. El Hadi, and Mr. Belabassi.
Mohamed El Har, a Moroccan national, appeared in a photo in Libya holding a firearm. Mr. El Har is known as an illegal migrant with suspicious and ambiguous activities. He stated he joined the MAK terrorist organization's activities by providing aid and support to its members active in Algeria and Morocco. Mr. El Har, who hails from the Kalaat Sraghna region of Marrakech, Morocco, also cited "the suffering he experienced in his country, which was not limited to a fragile economic situation in light of declining employment opportunities and a decent life, but also included a miserable human situation in which the rights of Moroccan citizens are violated every day."
Motivations and Regrets
The purpose of the meetings mentioned by MAK members was to promote anti-state discourse in service of the organization's separatist agenda. Mohamed El Har stated his reason for coming to Algeria was the suffering he experienced in his country, including a fragile economic situation, lack of job opportunities, and a dire humanitarian situation where Moroccan citizens' rights are violated daily. Hamid Katou (حميد كطوع), Mohamed Massaoud (محمد مساعد), and Khaled Zehiri (خالد الزهيري) also stated their move to Algeria was "بدافع البحث عن فرص أفضل للعيش وللهروب من واقع مرير و أليم بالمغرب" (motivated by the search for better living opportunities and escape from a harsh and painful reality in Morocco). Hakim Hamama and Fatih Karim expressed regret, stating they were drawn into a "false and extremist agenda" promoted by the MAK terrorist movement through "misleading and malicious propaganda." Both Hamama and Karim warned citizens, particularly youth, to be cautious of engaging with "Makhzen-Zionist hostile policies" targeting Algeria's unity, security, and stability through the MAK terrorist movement.