The Algerian government has been scrambling to contain the backlash among residents of the southern part of the country over remarks on terrorism made by Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia.
Speaking to reporters on April 14, the premier was asked about a government plan to revive tourism in the South as part of its efforts to diversify the economy.
He replied: “The terrorist operations taking place in the Sahel countries and the poor security situation in neighboring Libya are leaving a direct impact on tourism in our great South.”
“Imagine if terrorists kidnapped foreign tourists in our desert. Such an operation, should it take place, will destroy years of counter-terrorism efforts,” he warned.
His statements were interpreted as a sign that that state was not relying on “desert tourism” in its plan to diversify the economy.
The backlash among southern residents was instant where tourism is the main source of income for hundreds of people.
Lawmakers representing southern states submitted a protest petition to the media, condemning Ouyahia’s statements, saying they do not reflect the reality on the ground.
“You are destroying the army and border guards’ efforts in defending the country against the dangers of terror,” they stressed.
The government quickly dispatched Interior Minister Noureddine Bedoui to the southern city of Tamanrasset to contain the anger.
He told a gathering of a number of clans that the PM’s statements were “probably misinterpreted.”
“I assure you that the tourism sector in our great south, especially in Tamanrasset, is a priority for the government. We will seek to offer facilitations to the sector’s workers in order to develop it,” he pledged.
He also vowed to take “all the field measures to restore tourism to Tamanrasset and the South. Along with the tourism minister, I am prepared to hear out all of the suggestions of the sector’s workers.”
He noted however that Algeria was “surrounded by extraordinary circumstances in Libya and Mali, which have left very negative repercussions on the livelihood of the people and economy of the region.”
He stressed that border guards are exerting efforts to preserve the security of the region and safety of the people.
“They are in constant readiness to confront any threats and dangers” whether they are arms, drug, oil or people smugglers, Bedoui declared.
Tourism in the South took a hit in 2003 after Algerian extremist Amari Saifi kidnapped 23 European tourists in Tamanrasset. They were released after 20 days in exchange for a ransom estimated at 5 million euros. One tourist died of heatstroke while being held captive.
The sector has been struggling to recover ever since.
